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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 Ingredient- Ethylene glycol
- Methanol
- Propylene glycol
- Various antifreezes
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms- Airways and lungs
- Bladder and kidneys
- Blood in urine
- No urine outputor decreased urine output
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Blindness
- Heart and blood
- Change in body's acid-base balance, which can lead to organ failure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Muscles and joints
- Nervous system
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Slurred speech
- Stupor (lack of alertness)
- Unconsciousness
- Unsteady walk
- Weakness
- Skin
- Stomach and gastrointestinal tract
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Seek 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:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
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:
- Dialysis
- Fluids through a vein (IV)
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
- Tube through the nose into the stomach to wash out stomach (gastric lavage)
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.
What else can I help you with?
Is there anything you can do for antifreeze poisoning?
* no i dont tank so .
Can doctors tell if you die from antifreeze poisoning?
No, it's a fool proof murder.
How do you treat antifreeze poisoning?
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.
How much antifreeze will kill someone?
The toxicity of antifreeze, primarily ethylene glycol, varies by individual, but as little as 30 to 60 milliliters (about 1 to 2 ounces) can be lethal for adults. Symptoms of poisoning can manifest within hours and may include nausea, vomiting, and neurological impairment. Prompt medical attention is critical, as untreated antifreeze poisoning can lead to severe complications and death. Always keep antifreeze out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
What symptoms do the dogs have if they ingested antifreeze?
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.
How does antifreeze affect a dog?
Antifreeze is toxic to dogs because it contains ethylene glycol, which can cause kidney failure and death when ingested. Even a small amount can be harmful, so it's important to keep antifreeze out of reach of pets and clean up any spills immediately. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in dogs include vomiting, increased thirst, and lethargy.
Will skunks drink anti freeze?
Skunks, like many animals, are attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol. Unfortunately, ingesting antifreeze can be extremely toxic and potentially fatal to skunks and other wildlife. It is important to keep antifreeze securely stored and to clean up any spills to prevent accidental poisoning of animals. If you suspect a skunk has consumed antifreeze, it is critical to seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Can a dog die from off?
Yes, dogs can die from consuming antifreeze, often referred to as "off," which contains ethylene glycol. Even small amounts can be extremely toxic to dogs, leading to kidney failure and death if not treated promptly. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include vomiting, disorientation, and seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary care.
How can antifreeze hurt the environment?
Antifreeze, particularly those containing ethylene glycol, can harm the environment if spilled or improperly disposed of, as it is toxic to wildlife and can contaminate soil and water sources. Its sweet taste can attract animals, leading to accidental ingestion and poisoning. Additionally, when antifreeze enters waterways, it can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and harm fish and other organisms. Effective management and disposal practices are crucial to mitigate its environmental impact.
Can cats drink antifreeze?
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.
What is whiskey an antidote to?
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.
Symptoms of antifreeze poisioning in dogs?
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.
