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Contac overdose

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Contents of this page:

Definition   

This is poisoning from swallowing a large amount of Contac, a cough, cold, and allergy medicine.

Poisonous Ingredient   

Note: Not all poisonous ingredients are found in every brand of Contac.

Where Found   

Symptoms   

Before Calling Emergency   

Determine the following information:

Poison Control   

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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room   

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

Outlook (Prognosis)   

If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely. Few patients actually die from this type of overdose.

Update Date: 4/4/2006

Updated by: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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