sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Jewelry cleaner 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:

    • Has trouble breathing or develops severe chest tightness
    • Collapses, faints, has a seizure, or cannot be awakened
    • Is confused or becoming rapidly less alert
    • Vomits blood or has severe chest or abdominal pain
    • Was exposed to a professional product that may contain cyanide
    • Intentionally swallowed the product

    Emergency responders can begin treatment during transport.

    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 promptly after jewelry cleaner is swallowed, splashed into an eye, inhaled in a concentrated amount, or left on the skin.

    Do this even if symptoms seem mild.

    Keep the container or product information available if it is safe to do so.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for ongoing eye pain, blurred vision, persistent vomiting, significant mouth or throat pain, difficulty swallowing, worsening cough, wheezing, or a blistering skin burn.

The article also says

Do not drive someone who is collapsing, severely confused, or struggling to breathe.

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