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Piperonyl butoxide with pyrethrins poisoning

Definition

Piperonyl butoxide with pyrethrins is an ingredient found in medications to kill lice. Poisoning occurs when someone swallows the product or too much of the product touches the skin.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Pyrethrins poisoning; Lice medication poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

• Piperonyl butoxide
• Pyrethrins

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Where Found

• A-200
• Barc (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Blue (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Control-L (also contains petroleum distillates)
• End Lice
• Lice-Enz Foam Kit
• Pronto
• Pyrinex Pediculicide (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Pyrinyl (also contains kerosene)
• Pyrinyl II
• Pyrinyl Plus
• R & C spray
• Rid (also contains petroleum distillates and benzyl alcohol)
• Tisit
• Tisit Blue (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Triple X Kit (also contains petroleum distillates)

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye irritation if it touches the eyes
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Rash (allergic reaction)
• Shortness of breath
• Sneezing
• Tremors
• Wheezing
• Vomiting

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

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
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control

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:

• Cleaning of exposed skin
• Washing and examination of eyes as necessary
• Treatment of allergic reactions as necessary

If the poison was swallowed, treatment may include:

• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Breathing support
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most symptoms are seen in patients who are allergic to pyrethrins. Piperonyl butoxide has a low toxicity, but extreme occupational exposures may result in more severe symptoms.

References

Robey WC III, Meggs WJ. Insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 182.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.