Drug and Poison Information Center

Frequently Asked Questions

• If you have questions about a product or if someone has been exposed to something that may be dangerous, the poison center is here to help.
• The poison center has access to information on more than 300,000 poisonous substances, and our database is updated every three months.
• A toxicologist or medical doctor is on call at all times, and consultants in all areas of chemicals, drugs, plants, etc., are available when needed.
• For poisonings related to animals, a veterinary toxicologist is on call.
• Limiting the time between an exposure and treatment can often save lives and reduce symptoms.
• Some exposures do not cause immediate symptoms, but treatment is essential to prevent problems or save lives.

• Poison center staff need to get an accurate history of what happened to the person exposed to a poison or bite.
• The name and phone number of the person calling and the person exposed are needed so the poison center can call back if disconnected or to check on the situation.
• Treatment recommendations given by the poison center are determined by the following information:
• Age
• Weight
• Medical history
• Pre-existing health conditions
• Past allergies
• Exact name of product − many products have similar names but different active ingredients
• Strength of the medication − many medications are available in different strengths
• Amount of product involved in the exposure
• Time of exposure
• Symptoms experienced
• Hospital the person exposed will go to if needed

If the person exposed to a poison or bite is referred to the hospital, the poison center will call the hospital and give treatment recommendations.

• A medical record (chart) is made on all calls.
• All information obtained is entered into the chart along with treatment recommendations from poison center staff.
• Additional information is charted as the poison center follows the case until symptoms have resolved.
• All information is confidential.
• Patient’s names are given out only in the event of referral to the hospital, and then only to appropriate healthcare personnel.

• A return call will be made only if an exposure has occurred, unless otherwise requested.
• The number of times poison center staff check back with a caller or the person exposed depends on the type of exposure and symptoms experienced.
• If you are not home when the poison center calls, a message will NOT be left on your answering machine due to federal privacy requirements.
• It is the intent of the poison center to follow exposures until symptoms have resolved or until the time period for symptoms to occur has lapsed.
• Often it is important that the parent or relative check on the person exposed during the night to make sure no unexpected symptoms have occurred.

• The poison center has several incoming lines and receives calls from all over the state.
• Sometimes it may be necessary to put a caller on hold to answer another line.
• Sometimes calls have to be answered in order of severity.
• The poison center staff make every effort to obtain the necessary information and complete calls as quickly as possible.
• You can help poison center staff by having as much information as possible about the situation so that we can help you quickly.

• The poison center takes calls about poison exposures in pets.
• Sometimes the only available option is to seek assistance from your veterinarian.
• Even if home management is recommended for your pet, referral to a veterinarian is often made for follow-up purposes.