Rodenticide anticoagulant poisoning

Definition

Rodenticide anticoagulant poisoning is a toxic dose of a rodenticide (rodent killer) which contains an anticoagulant (blood thinner).

Poisonous Ingredient

• Warfarin
• 2-pivaloyl-1,3-indandione
• 2-iso-valeryl-1,3-indandione
• Difenacoum
• Chlorophacinone
• Coumachlor
• Diphacinone
• Brodifacoum

Where Found

• Some rodenticides
• Brodifacoum (D-con Mouse Prufe II, Talon)
• Diphacinone (Ramik, Diphacin)

Symptoms

• Blood in the urine
• Bruising and bleeding
• Vomiting blood
• Bloody stools
• Low blood pressure
• Shock
• Bleeding in the brain 

Home Treatment

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
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• When it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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:

• Blood transfusion
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison

Expectations (prognosis)

Death may occur as late as 2 weeks after the poisoning. However, adequate treatment usually prevents any serious complications.