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What Needs To Be Done After Accidental Ingestion Of Liquid Dettol?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Nov 2016
Question: I was cleaning the toilet the seat with liquid dettol in a toilet paper and some how I put my hand that was holding the toilet paper with the dettol into my mouth? Please let me know if its a case of poising? What symptoms should I be aware off (I got a heavy head) and what I need to take to help my self? Thank you. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry, however do you keep yourself under strict observation..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern, first 24 hr is most important..

First of all, let me assure you that, since the toilet paper itself didn't get inside the mouth, so chances of ingestion of the actual dettol content is extremely negligible, so don't worry about that..

Do let me know if this is the other way around, and how much dettol was there in your hand , was it completely soaked ? If not, if just slightly wet / semi-dry/ water mixed then there's no concern for poisoning ..

Was it pure dettol, or diluted, and how much will be the quantity approximately ?

However, this being taken place in and around the toilet seat, so chances of infection is there to some extent.. still it's too early to comment on that also..

First of all, take a good shower, to rinse of any excess liquid's remnant present over the body surface..

Don't panic, just keep yourself well hydrated, drink plenty of water (~ 3 ltr daily), first 24hr is the most important phase, stay inside fresh air circulation, well ventilated areas.. you can take antacid/PPI eg. Cap PANTOPRAZOLE 40mg stat dose and Once Daily in empty stomach in morning for next 3-4 days..

Warning signs and symptoms that you need to know -

You need to keep yourself under strict observation for at least the next 24hr, and if notice any sudden onset pain abdomen / sudden severe nausea-vomiting / loose motion/ breathing difficulty / dizziness and/ black-outs / burning pain in throat, abdomen/ sudden onset palpitation - then do visit your nearest ER/Urgent care facility for a prompt check-up and few relevant investigations and management accordingly..(it's extremely unlikely at this scenario to develop this toxicity features, although you need to know them)..

All those are the toxicity features, however if there's any new onset (within next 24-48 hrs) fever, sore throat, cough, nausea/vomiting/loose motion develops then please report it to your nearest Physician/ healthcare facility for a clinical check-up and few relevant investigations (hemogram, Chest X-ray, ECG, CRP, urine and stool analysis and culture sensivity) to rule out any infections (and a short course of necessary antibiotics as per the findings)..

As for the heaviness, stay in fresh air, and well ventilated palaces, remain well hydrated as already explained, take steam inhalation twice to thrice daily for the time being, avoid any smoking/alcohol (if at all do), yes you can take Paracetamol 650mg on SOS basis after some food for the time being (not to exceed more than three times a day)..

Hope this will clarify the doubts, do let me know how you stay in the due course..

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (1 hour later)
Hi Dr.

Not much. Just enough to wipe the toilet see. It was completely accidental what happened. It was not diluted in water. Just dettol. I used paper napkins to dry out as much I could of my tongue. I haven't had any serious breathing issues or anything else. Just panic, hence at the query. Thank you for your advice. If I feel unusual I would go to the nearest ER.

Thank you.
XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
nothing to worry, just follow the advises, you should be fine..

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for following up with these details,

Good the know the quantity wasn't significant..however just follow all the advises as already explained and you should be fine..

Additionally, do gurgle with XXXXXXX warm water with a pinch of salt in it twice daily for today..

Follow all the instructions, and if at all you notice any such warning signs/symptoms, then yes check in to your nearest ER (however I don't think it'll be necessary)..

Stay well hydrated and eat simple home cooked meals, avoid any smoking/alcohol for the time being (if at all do)..

Don't worry..

Take Care
Kind Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Arnab

Critical Care Specialist

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1479 Questions

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What Needs To Be Done After Accidental Ingestion Of Liquid Dettol?

Brief Answer: Nothing to worry, however do you keep yourself under strict observation.. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM, I've gone through your query and understand your concern, first 24 hr is most important.. First of all, let me assure you that, since the toilet paper itself didn't get inside the mouth, so chances of ingestion of the actual dettol content is extremely negligible, so don't worry about that.. Do let me know if this is the other way around, and how much dettol was there in your hand , was it completely soaked ? If not, if just slightly wet / semi-dry/ water mixed then there's no concern for poisoning .. Was it pure dettol, or diluted, and how much will be the quantity approximately ? However, this being taken place in and around the toilet seat, so chances of infection is there to some extent.. still it's too early to comment on that also.. First of all, take a good shower, to rinse of any excess liquid's remnant present over the body surface.. Don't panic, just keep yourself well hydrated, drink plenty of water (~ 3 ltr daily), first 24hr is the most important phase, stay inside fresh air circulation, well ventilated areas.. you can take antacid/PPI eg. Cap PANTOPRAZOLE 40mg stat dose and Once Daily in empty stomach in morning for next 3-4 days.. Warning signs and symptoms that you need to know - You need to keep yourself under strict observation for at least the next 24hr, and if notice any sudden onset pain abdomen / sudden severe nausea-vomiting / loose motion/ breathing difficulty / dizziness and/ black-outs / burning pain in throat, abdomen/ sudden onset palpitation - then do visit your nearest ER/Urgent care facility for a prompt check-up and few relevant investigations and management accordingly..(it's extremely unlikely at this scenario to develop this toxicity features, although you need to know them).. All those are the toxicity features, however if there's any new onset (within next 24-48 hrs) fever, sore throat, cough, nausea/vomiting/loose motion develops then please report it to your nearest Physician/ healthcare facility for a clinical check-up and few relevant investigations (hemogram, Chest X-ray, ECG, CRP, urine and stool analysis and culture sensivity) to rule out any infections (and a short course of necessary antibiotics as per the findings).. As for the heaviness, stay in fresh air, and well ventilated palaces, remain well hydrated as already explained, take steam inhalation twice to thrice daily for the time being, avoid any smoking/alcohol (if at all do), yes you can take Paracetamol 650mg on SOS basis after some food for the time being (not to exceed more than three times a day).. Hope this will clarify the doubts, do let me know how you stay in the due course.. Take Care Kind Regards