Iron is an essential mineral needed to prevent anemia as well as other bodily functions. Because iron anemia is a common condition, many people keep iron tablets in their homes, which can be quite dangerous when taken in large doses. These tips will give you an idea how iron poisoning is treated.
Instructions
1. Go to the emergency room as soon as possible, as iron poisoning cannot be treated at home. Never take ipecac or try to induce vomiting, as it can make assessment of iron poisoning far more difficult when you arrive at the hospital. Additionally, whenever possible, bring medicine bottles or containers which contained the iron with you.
2. Get to the hospital within one hour of ingesting iron pills, if possible. When caught soon enough, the stomach can be pumped to expel the pills. While stomach pumping is often the fastest way to get iron out of the body, it is an invasive procedure and cannot be administered once the iron tablets have fully disintegrated into the victim's system.
3. Begin treatment of iron poisoning by allowing the doctor to monitor breathing to ensure that everything is normal and that poisoning is not severe. If breathing is normal, the doctor will provide a strong fluid laxative which will help to flush the iron from the body.
4. Treat severe iron poisoning with chelation therapy administered through an IV. The IV will contain deferoxamine mesylate which binds to iron so that it can be excreted during urination without causing harm to the body.
5. Tell your doctor if you believe that your child may have ingested other medications in addition to iron. While charcoal cannot bind with iron, it can be ingested in liquid form to help absorb other medications that have possibly been swallowed accidentally.
Tags: iron poisoning, iron tablets, other medications