Thioridazine poisoning

Definition

This is poisoning from an overdose of thioridazine.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Thioridazine

Where Found

• Mellaril
• Melozine

Note: This list may not be all inclusive

Symptoms

• Bladder problems (cannot empty bladder completely)
• Blood pressure changes - high blood pressure or severelow blood pressure
• Blurred vision
• Coma
• Constipation
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Drooling
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Fever
• Heartbeat - rapid 
• Hypothermia (body temperature is lower than normal)
• Loss of appetite
• Menstrual changes
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle stiffness
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Skin discoloration, bluish (changing to a purplish color)
• Stiff neck or face
• Swallowing difficulties
• Uncoordination
• Tremor
• Ulcers in the mouth, on the tongue, on in the throat
• Vision color changes (brown tinge)
• Weakness
• Yellow eyes

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

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 emergency room.

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:

• Fluids
• Medicines to treat symptoms and to cause vomiting
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
• Artificial respiration

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery depends on how much damage is done. Survival past 2 days is usually a good sign.