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Warning-sign checks

Hair tonic poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if the person:

    • Is difficult to wake, collapses or loses consciousness
    • Has slow, irregular or difficult breathing
    • Has a seizure
    • Develops confusion, severe weakness or vision changes
    • Cannot stop vomiting or may have inhaled vomit
    • Swallowed the product intentionally or may harm themselves

    Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation if they are not breathing normally and follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison centre immediately if hair tonic has been swallowed, even if the person feels well.

    In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Elsewhere, contact your local poison information service or urgent medical service.

    New vision problems, worsening confusion, breathing difficulty or repeated vomiting are not routine follow-up issues and need urgent reassessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up may be appropriate after discharge if symptoms are improving but have not fully settled, or if the care team recommends repeat vision, kidney or neurological checks.

The article also says

Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side if you can do so safely.

Do not put anything in their mouth.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hair tonic poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.