Potassium hydroxide

Definition

Poisoning from exposure to potassium hydroxide.

Poisonous Ingredient

Potassium hydroxide

Where Found

• Cuticle removal products
• Leather tanning chemicals
• Drain cleaners

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms from swallowing potassium hydroxide include:

• Severe pain in the mouth
• Collapse
• Breathing difficulties due to the throat swelling shut
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Burns in the mouth and throat
• Severe pain in the throat
• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Rapid drop in blood pressure

Home Treatment

Seek emergency medical care immediately. DO NOT make a person throw up (vomit).

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

If the product is swallowed, give a large amount of water or milk IMMEDIATELY. If the patient is vomiting, keep giving water or milk.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

Anyone who ingests or is exposed to potassium hydroxide should seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you suspect possible poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222 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 any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Support the patient's airway and breathing
• Dilute or neutralize the caustic material
• Treat the pain and symptoms
• Give IV fluids
• Upper GI endoscopy

Expectations (prognosis)

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on how rapidly the alkali was diluted and neutralized. Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach are possible. The ultimate outcome depends on the extent of this damage.

Damage continues to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the potassium hydroxide was swallowed, and death may occur as long as a month later.

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