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Warning-sign checks

Adrenergic bronchodilator overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Follow the discharge instructions from the emergency department, poison center, or prescribing clinician.

    Call emergency services for chest pain, fainting, a seizure, severe breathing trouble, or reduced responsiveness.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent reassessment if a racing or irregular heartbeat returns, weakness worsens, vomiting prevents fluid intake, or breathing symptoms come back.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Keep any planned appointments for repeat testing, especially if potassium, blood sugar, lactate, or the ECG was abnormal.

    Routine follow-up should review why the exposure happened.

    A clinician or pharmacist can check inhaler technique, nebulizer measurements, product labels, and the written action plan for asthma or another lung condition.

    If a rescue medicine is needed more often than expected, the long-term treatment plan may need review rather than repeated self-directed dosing.

    After an intentional overdose, follow-up should include mental health care and a safety plan.

    Immediate crisis support is appropriate if thoughts of self-harm return.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Store medicines in their original packaging and out of children’s sight and reach.

Keep nebulizer concentrates separate from ready-to-use containers.

A current medication list can help prevent accidental duplication.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Adrenergic bronchodilator overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.