| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | This poisoning is due to an overdose of bacitracin zinc. |
| Alternative Names | |
| Poisonous Ingredient | Bacitracin Zinc |
| Where Found | Some prescription antibiotic eye drops, such as Neosporin Ophthalmic drops Some prescription antibiotic eye ointments, such as Neosporin Ophthalmic Ointment Some antibiotic sprays, such as Polysporin Spray Some antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin and Polysporin Note: This list may not be all inclusive. |
| Symptoms | Body as a whole Swelling of lips and face SweatingTightness of chestRespiratoryTemporarily stop breathing Skin RashItching Heart and blood vessels Low blood pressureHeart stops Nervous system Unconsciousness Note: These reactions are more likely as a result of an allergic reaction rather than a true overdose situation. |
| Home Treatment | Discontinue the use of the antibiotic. Seek emergency medical care immediately. Call Poison Control for guidance. |
| Before Calling Emergency | Determine the following information: The patient's age, weight, and condition The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known) The time it was swallowed The amount swallowed |
| Poison Control, or a local emergency number | See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room. |
| What to expect at the emergency room | Treat the allergic reaction with diphenhydramine and prednisone. For swallowed poison
Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage). Activated charcoal administration. Endoscopy -- the placement of a camera down the throat to see the extent of burns to the esophagus and the stomach. Give IV fluids. Admission to the hospital. Give an antidote. Treat the symptoms. For skin exposure
Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days. Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin). Admission or transfer to a hospital that specializes in burn care. |
| Expectations (prognosis) | If the allergic reaction can be controlled, recovery is very likely. |
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