Bacitracin zinc overdose Health Article

Definition

This poisoning is due to an overdose of bacitracin zinc.

Alternative Names

Cortisporin ointment overdose; Baciferm overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

• Bacitracin
• Zinc

Where Found

These ingredients are found in many different products, including some: 

• Prescription antibiotic eye drops and ointments such as Neosporin Ophthalmic
• Antibiotic sprays such as Polysporin Spray
• Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin and Polysporin

Bacitracin zinc may also be added to animal food.

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms are more likely a result of an allergic reaction to the ingredients, rather than a true overdose. They may include:

• Breathing - temporarily stops  
• Chest tightness
• Heart stops beating
• Low blood pressure
• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling of lips and face
• Sweating
• Unconsciousness

Home Treatment

Stop using the product. Seek immediate emergency medical care.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water. DO NOT give water if the patient is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 U.S. 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 National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Fluids by IV
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Medicines to treat the allergic reaction
• Activated charcoal
• Methods to make the person throw up 
• Endoscopy
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)  
• Washing of the skin (if product touched skin)

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a person does depends on whether the allergic reaction can be controlled. If a person survives longer than 24 hours, they will probably recover.