The Poison Post®
Brought to you by Poison Control Centers
October 2012 Edition
taking antibiotics
Antibiotic overdoses are rarely dangerous, but stomach upset and diarrhea may occur. Taking the wrong antibiotic is a problem if someone is allergic to the drug. Misuse of antibiotics is a problem for many reasons: an infection might not be cured, and more. Learn more...
spice
"Spice", K2, and fake weed are some of the names given to illegal plant-based substances intended to imitate marijuana. Symptoms can range from anxiety and psychiatric disorders to death. "Bath salts" is a name for a synthetic chemical meant to act like cocaine or amphetamine. Learn more...
child holding coin
Children will swallow anything they can reach. Most of the time, these objects pass through the gastrointestinal tract with no trouble; the object turns up in the child's stool. Sometimes, surgery is needed to remove the object. Learn more...
online pharm
Internet pharmacies can be a convenient way of obtaining prescription drugs. Unfortunately, only about 3 percent of online pharmacies are actually legal, licensed pharmacies. They may allow you to purchase prescription medicines without a prescription. Learn more...
homeopathic remedies
Just about everyone gets colds. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, cough, tiredness, sneezing, sore throat, and muscle aches. Symptoms last for up to two weeks. Most people get better on their own. Treatment is according to symptoms.
Sets of tiny, strong magnets were sold as adult toys but often were swallowed by children, resulting in serious injury and even death. The magnets, or a magnet and another metal object, stuck to each other, even through folds of intestine or tissue. Learn more...
Two ways to get help for a poison emergency:

Both are free and confidential.  Both provide expert guidance based on age, weight, and amount.