Phenylbutazone overdose Health Article

Definition

Phenylbutazone is a very powerful anti-inflammatory drug. It is no longer sold in the United States for human use. It is only sold for animal use, usually horses and dogs. Phenylbutazone overdose occurs when someone takes too much of this drug.

Poisonous Ingredient

Phenylbutazone

Where Found

• Butazolidin
• Azolid

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Blood
  • Anemia
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sensitivity to light
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Possible loss of blood from the stomach and intestines
• Heart
  • Low blood pressure
• Lungs
  • Labored breathing
  • Slow or rapid breathing
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache (severe)
  • Incoherence (not understandable)
  • Movement disorder
  • Unsteadiness
• Skin
  • Rash

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

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 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 room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• A tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
• Laxative

Expectations (prognosis)

This drug is very toxic. Overdoses can be deadly, even at very low doses, particuarly in small children.