After shaves
Definition
This is poisoning from swallowing after shave.
Poisonous Ingredient
- Ethyl alcohol
- Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol)
Where Found
- Various after shave products
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Slowed breathing
- Vomiting (may contain blood)
- Abdominal pain
- Low blood pressure
- Stupor
- Coma
- Unable to walk in a normal manner
- Slurred speech
- Unresponsive reflexes
- Uncoordinated movement
- Dizziness
Home Care
Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
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:
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Activated charcoal
- Breathing support
- Dialysis
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach gastric lavage
Outlook (Prognosis)
After shave poisoning usually occurs in small children. It may also occur in persons with alcoholism, who may drink the product when other alcohol runs out.
The outcome depends on how much is swallowed. This poisoning is not usually deadly. Survival over 24 hours usually means the patient will recover.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
