Antifreeze is a liquid used to cool engines. It is also called engine coolant. This article discusses poisoning caused by swallowing antifreeze.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
See also:Ethylene glycol poisoning
Alternative NamesEngine coolant poisoning
Poisonous IngredientNote: This list may not be all inclusive.
SymptomsSeek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
Use standard first aid and CPR for signs of shock or cardiac arrest. Call your local Poison Control Center or 911 for further assistance.
Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
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 United States 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: Poison control center - emergency number
What to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood and urine tests will be done.The patient may receive:
For ethylene glycol: Death may occur within the first 24 hours. If patient survives, there may be little or no urine output for several weeks before the kidneys recover. Any brain damage may be permanent. Vision loss or blindness may also be permanent.
For methanol: Methanol is extremely toxic. As little as 2 TABLEspoons can kill a child, while 2 to 8 oz. can be deadly for an adult. The ultimate outcome depends on how much was swallowed and how soon appropriate care was given.
ReferencesBerk WA, Henderson WV. Alcohols. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 166.
Antifreeze is a liquid used to cool engines. It is also called engine coolant. This article discusses poisoning caused by swallowing antifreeze.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
See also: Ethylene glycol poisoning
Alternative NamesEngine coolant poisoning
Poisonous IngredientNote: This list may not be all-inclusive.
SymptomsSeek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.
Use standard first aid and CPR for signs of shock or cardiac arrest. Call your local poison control center or 911 for further assistance.
Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
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 United States 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: Poison control center - emergency number
What to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood and urine tests will be done.The patient may receive:
For ethylene glycol: Death may occur within the first 24 hours. If the patient survives, there may be little or no urine output for several weeks before the kidneys recover. Any brain damage may be permanent. Vision loss or blindness may also be permanent.
For methanol: Methanol is extremely toxic. As little as 2 tablespoons can kill a child, while 2 to 8 oz. can be deadly for an adult. The ultimate outcome depends on how much was swallowed and how soon appropriate care was given.
ReferencesFord M, Delaney KA, Ling L, Erickson T, eds. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2001.
Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, et al, eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/03/2011
Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
* no i dont tank so .
No, it's a fool proof murder.
Ethanol prevents the key ingredient in antifreeze from breaking down into toxic chemicals in the body. Ethylene glycol is the key ingredient in antifreeze and ethanol removes this through the bodies waste.
Symptoms of early antifreeze poisoning are much like alcohol intoxication. The dog may vomit, drink excessively, it may be wobbly. It may seem to get better only to get worse the next day with rapid breathing and seizures. Antifreeze damages the kidneys. The dog can be saved with medical intervention, left untreated antifreeze will kill an animal. Antifreeze is toxic for people and animals; but it tastes sweet and animals will drink it.
No, they definitely cannot. Antifreeze is a very toxic substance to all animals. You should take extensive precautions to ensure that your cat cannot get to any antifreeze, and you most definitely should not intentionally give it to a cat.
Whiskey is the antidote to ethylene glycol poisoning. ethylene glycol is the poisonous ingredient of many commercial antifreeze brands and causes renal and liver failure and ultimately death.
Walking drunk, drooling, vomiting, seizures, excessive thirst and urination appear immediately. 12-24 hours after the signs of alcohol poisoning appear to resolve but severe internal damage is still occurring. 36-72 hours after getting into antifreeze severe kidney failure is developing with severe lethargy, coma, depression, vomiting, seizures, and drooling.
Microbiological poisoning is commonly known as "food poisoning."
There is no such thing as "lipstick poisoning ".
I haven't yet refrigerator has been smelling like a antifreeze or rubbing alcohol for a week can't say for sure but it might be just me but I think it is cause I feel lightheaded after I am exposed from the ice in my drink
It can be fatal in chronic poisoning.
Every type of poisoning is bad.