International School of Asia and the Pacific - Kalinga

Pharmacy Department
Pharmaceutical Toxicology

Activity 6
Poisoning from Household Products

Name: Mendoza, Jhunlaine Kate G.

I. Discussion:

Household products were defined as those products found in the home environment, not of a
medicinal nature.

These substances are potentially poisonous if not used properly. Some of the hospital
admissions are the result of children drinking household chemicals while playing. Inside the
home, cleaning materials are often the biggest risk, while in the garden herbicides, pesticides
and paint strippers are common culprits. Most household chemicals cause problems especially
when they are swallowed. These become hazardous if they are ignitable, corrosive, explosive,
toxic or radioactive.

As a consumer, the habit of reading hazardous product labels is necessary. The listed
information below should be emphasized:

1. Common name or chemical name: sodium hypochlorite or bleach

2. Amount or volume of contents: 250 mL
3. Signal word: Danger, Poison, Warning or Caution
4. Instructions for Safe Handling and Use: recommended amount to use
5. Name and Address of Manufacturer, Distributor, Packer, or Seller
6. Description of Hazard and Precautions: irritant to skin and eyes, harmful is swallowed
7. First Aid Instructions, when necessary or appropriate: if swallowed, feed milk

Prevention of poisoning from household substances will start from the selection of right
product during the time of purchase. Second, how to use the product safely matters.
Handle the product carefully to avoid spills and splashing. To avoid inhaling the fumes, the
product should be used in well-ventilated areas. If pregnant, avoid toxic chemical exposure as
much as possible. Many toxic products have not been tested for their effect on unborn infants.
Third, proper storage and conditions of household products should be observed. Following
simply what is indicated in its label will ensure safety. Generally, hazardous products should be
stored on high shelves or in locked cabinets out of reach of children and animals and never
stored in food or beverage containers.

Statistics show that poisoning from household products is the most common cause of nonfatal
accidents in the home. In fact, according to the American Association of Poison Control
Centers, 93% if possible poisonings take place at home. Common sources of household poison
include: cleaning products, lead, pesticides, prescription medications.

The ten most dangerous household products are: Antifreeze, Bleach, Drain cleaner, Furniture
polish, Gasoline, Insecticide, Iron-containing vitamins, Medicine, Nail polish remover, Windshield
wiper fluid.

Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on several factors, including the type and severity of
the case and condition of the individual. Some general symptoms include burns around the
mouth, general pain in the body, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing and vomiting.

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 26

II. Procedures:

1. Bring sample labels of the following: antiseptics, disinfectant, sterilants, caustics,

camphor, hydrocarbon-containing products.
2. Paste each label and examine carefully. Note the following information:
A. Active ingredients
B. Trade name
C. Manufacturer’s name
D. Uses
E. Toxic effects
F. Antidotes/management

Worksheet
Sample Label 1 Information
a. Active ingredient: 28%-29% hydrochloric
acid concentration

b. Trade name: Apollo Muriatic Acid

c. Manufacturer’s name: Philusa Corporation

d. Uses: for removing tough and hard stains in

the bathroom, kitchen, garages, and pools. Also
excellent in construction and industrial uses.
e. Toxic effects:
 Inhalation
Short term inhalation exposure to muriatic acid
causes eye, nasal, and respiratory tract irritation
and inflammation, as well as pulmonary edema.

 Ingestion
Acute oral exposure to muriatic acid via ingestion
causes severe burns of the mouth, mucous
membranes, esophagus, and stomach.

 Eye and Skin Exposure

Muriatic acid skin and eye contact produces severe
burns, ulceration, and scarring. Contact with eyes
may cause reduced vision, cataracts or blindness.

f. Antidotes:
 Inhalation: Keep them warm and
perform CPR if breathing stops. Seek
immediate medical attention.

 Ingestion: Provide large amounts of milk

or water to dilute the solution. Do not
induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical
attention.

 Eye and Skin Exposure: Flush affected

skin areas or eyes with water for a
minimum of 15 minutes. Do not rub or
wash skin. Seek immediate medical
attention.

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 27

 Sample Label 2 Information
a. Active ingredient: contains 70 mL Isopropyl
Alcohol and Moisturizer

b. Trade name: Isopropyl Alcohol

c. Manufacturer’s name: Green Cross

d. Uses: Antiseptic Disinfectant

- Hypoallergenic with Moisturizer
- 99.9% effective against bacteria and viruses
- Has moisturizing variants to prevent skin dryness
- For disinfection, sterilization, and relief of prickly
heat
- Used for insect bites
- For hygienic purposes
- For aftershaves and general antiseptic
- For use in the hospital or sick room as a
rubdown
- For general massage purposes

e. Toxic effects:
 ISO poisoning include:
dizziness
low blood pressure
stomach pain
rapid heart rate, or tachycardia
low body temperature
slurred speech
slow breathing
nausea
vomiting
unresponsive reflexes
throat pain or burning
coma

f. Antidotes:
 Drink plenty of water to help your body
flush out the toxin. But don’t do this if you
have symptoms that make it difficult to
swallow, like throat pain or decreased
alertness.
 If the chemical is on your skin or eyes,
rinse the area with water for 15 minutes.
 Call 911 or go to an emergency room
immediately.

Sample Label 3 Information

a. Active ingredient: The ointment contains
Camphor 11%, Menthol 7.6%, and Methyl
Salicylate 13%, with parts of Petrolleum Jelly and
Paraffin Wax

b. Trade name: Katinko

c. Manufacturer’s name: Greenstone

Pharmaceutical Inc.

d. Uses:
 Used For temporary relief of minor

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 28

 aches and pains of muscles and joints
associated with simple backache
arthritis, rheumatism, muscle strain.
 Used also for pain and itching
associated with insect bites and minor
skin irritation.
e. Toxic effects:
 Allergic reaction:
Hives
difficult breathing
Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.

f. Antidotes:
 An overdose of camphor and menthol.
Seek emergency medical attention or call
the Poison Help line
 If this medication gets in your eyes, nose,
or mouth, rinse with water.

Sample Label 4 Information

a. Active ingredient: ORTHO-BENZYL-PARA-
CHLOROPHENOL (o-Benzyl-p-chorophenol)

b. Trade name: Lysol Disinfectant Spray

c. Manufacturer’s name: Vitacost

d. Uses:
Lysol Disinfectant Spray can be used throughout
your home, on surfaces such as:

Kitchen areas:  Kills 99.9% of

Sinks viruses and
Garbage cans bacteria, including
Refrigerator exteriors cold and flu

Bathroom Areas:  Kills the COVID-19

Bath tubs virus and emerging
Shower variants.
Toilet seats
 Sanitizes soft
Home Areas: surfaces
Door knobs
Diaper pails  Helps to control
Telephones and prevent mold
Couches/Sofas and mildew
Mattresses
Pet beds

e. Toxic effects:
causing burning or irritation of the mouth and
throat, coughing or choking;

has gotten in the eyes and is causing burning

or irritation;

product has made contact with the skin and is

causing burning, itching or blistering.

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 29

 f. Antidotes:
 SWALLOWED Poisons
Drink a small amount of water or milk immediately
if:
The product swallowed is burning, irritating or
caustic, AND
The person is conscious, not having convulsions,
and able to swallow.
Then, get help from Poison Control.

 in the EYE
It's important that you irrigate (rinse the exposed
eyes) immediately.
Important: Irrigate for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Encourage blinking

 on the SKIN
It's important that you rinse the exposed skin
immediately.
Important: Rinse for at least 15 minutes.
 INHALED

It's important that you move to fresh air

immediately. Stay away from all toxic fumes and
gases. After moving to fresh air, call Poison
Control

Sample Label 5 Information

a. Active ingredient: Acrylic resins

b. Trade name: Boysen

c. Manufacturer’s name: Pacific Paint (Boysen)

Philippines, Inc.

d. Uses: It is ideal for interior and exterior

surfaces such as concrete, bricks, plaster, and
drywalls.

e. Toxic effects:
Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
Headache
Feeling dizzy or light-headed
Nausea
Trouble breathing
Paint fumes can certainly trigger conditions such
as asthma.
f. Antidotes:
 Guidelines for treating exposure
to paint or paint fumes include:

On skin. Wash the affected area thoroughly

with soap and warm water.

In eyes. Rinse your eyes with running water

for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterward, rest your eyes
by keeping them closed for about 15 minutes.
If you experience pain or problems with your
vision, seek medical attention.

Swallowing. Drink a small amount of milk or

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 30

 water while watching for symptoms of stomach
upset like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If
needed, call Poison Control.

Feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.

Immediately seek fresh air and call Poison
Control

Questions to Answer:

1. Differentiate the signs and symptoms associated with toxic alcohol exposures: ethylene
glycol, isopropanol, and methanol

ethylene glycol isopropanol methanol

The following effects are The symptoms of ISO The following symptoms
common in acute poisoning poisoning include: will manifest themselves as
cases: the first signs of methanol
 Ataxia  dizziness poisoning:
 Slurred speech  low blood pressure
 Drowsiness  stomach pain  Poor or no
 Irritation  rapid heart rate, or coronation
 Restlessness tachycardia  Abdominal pain
 Disorientation  low body  Nausea
temperature  Vomiting
Possible consequences of  slurred speech  Decreased level of
neurologic effects in severe  slow breathing consciousness
poisonings:  nausea  Blurred or
 Myoclonic jerks  vomiting decreased vision
 Convulsions  unresponsive  A specific smell on
 Coma reflexes the breath
 Death  throat pain or  Headache
burning  Dizziness
The following cranial nerve  coma  Confusion
effects have been reported
after acute exposure:
 Facial palsy
 Hearing loss
 Dysphagia
 Ophthalmoplegia
 Visual disturbances

2. What are the active chemicals found in the following cosmetics?

A. Cold wave lotion
 Thioglycolates

B. Face powder
 Ascorbyl Palmitate
 Botanical Ingredients
 Color Additives
 Dimethicone
 Fragrance
 Glycerin
 Kaolin
 Lanolin Oil
 Magnesium Carbonate

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 31

  Mineral Oil
 Silica
 Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
 Squalene
 Talc
 Tocopherol
 Tocopheryl Acetate

C. Temporary and permanent hair dyes-

 N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine HCl
 Hydroquinone
 Dihydrochloride salt
 Phenylenediamine sulfate salt
 Disperse Blue

D. Cuticle remover
 Aqua
 Glycerin
 Styrene/PVP Copolymer
 Carbomer
 Chlorphenesin
 Phenoxyethanol
 Sodium Hydroxide
 Methylparaben
 Butylparaben
 Ethylparaben
 Isobutylparaben
 Propylparaben

E. Hair spray
 Copolymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)
 Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)
 Vinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymers

3. List down at least 5 examples of representative activated charcoal products for treatment
of poisoning and provide description for each of the product (e.g., trade name, and
available strength or formula)

Product 1
 Trade Name: Actidose (Activated Charcoal Suspension)
 Strength/Formula: Contains 15 gm, 25 gm or 50 gm of activated charcoal in an
aqueous suspension with a unique preservative system. Each milliliter contains 208
mg (0.208 gm) of activated charcoal.

Product 2
 Trade Name: Charcoal House Health Activated Charcoal Powder
 Strength/Formula: Iodine number: 1500, Acid soluble ash: 1%

Product 3
 Trade Name: Nature’s Way Activated Charcoal Capsules
 Strength/Formula: contains only activated charcoal from coconut shells and no
additives or fillers

Product 4
 Trade Name: Country Life Activated Charcoal Capsules

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 32

  Strength/Formula: Made from coconut, probably has a low ash level and effective
at adsorbing.

Product 5
 Trade Name: Intralabs Granular Activated Charcoal
 Strength/Formula: Granular activated charcoal with very high adsorptive ability.

4. List down at least 5 examples of hazardous substances found in your kitchen/laundry

area, toilet/bathroom, garage/basement storage

1) Bleach
2) Dish soap
3) Antibacterial cleaners
4) Gasoline
5) Toilet bowl cleaner

5. Household insecticides are mainly carbamates and pyrethrum

compounds. Organophosphates are usually involved in significant poisonings, while
carbamates produce similar but less severe effects. Differentiate the clinical manifestation
of muscarinic and nicotinic effects as a result of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.

Organophosphate (OP) poisoning continues to be a frequent reason for

admission to hospitals and Intensive Care Units in developing countries. The traditional
approach to clinical features in acute OP poisoning has centered on receptor specific
effects on muscarinic, nicotinic and central nervous system (CNS) receptors that result in
diverse symptoms and signs.

Irreversible binding of OP to acetylcholinesterase in the cholinergic synapses in

the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS) results in high concentrations of
acetylcholine in the synaptic clefts that cause initial excessive stimulation and later,
blockade of synaptic transmission. The peripheral muscarinic SLUDGE symptoms are due
to actions on the relevant glands whilst central muscarinic effects result in symptoms such
as confusion, coma and convulsions. Nicotinic effects are motor and sympathetic and
result in fasciculations, muscle weakness, tachycardia and hypertension.

Most symptoms and signs in OP poisoning are the result of excessive muscarinic
receptor stimulation. Features such as tachycardia and high blood pressure, which are
sometimes observed in acute poisoning and not readily explained is postulated to be due
to overwhelming cholinergic effects on the CNS, sympathetic ganglionic synapses or the
adrenal medulla.

Pharmaceutical Toxicology Page 33