Laxative overdose

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Laxative overdose

Alternative Names:

Laxative abuse
Home Treatment:

DO NOT induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
When it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

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The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If possible, take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Administering activated charcoal
Monitoring vital signs ( blood pressure, pulse)
Monitoring EKG (monitors heart function)
Blood samples drawn to determine serum electrolyte levels
Administering fluids and electrolytes through an IV

Expectations (prognosis):

How well a patient doesdepends onthe type of laxative swallowed, how much was swallowed, and how much time passed before treatment was received.

Serious symptoms are most likely in patients who abuse laxatives by taking large amounts to lose weight. First time laxative overdoses are rarely serious.

References:

Ford MD,Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001: 332-333.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran?s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2002:149.