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Warning-sign checks

Antidiarrheal medicine 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

    People discharged from an emergency department should follow the written return precautions.

    Call emergency services for fainting, a seizure, severe breathing difficulty, inability to wake, or chest symptoms with an irregular heartbeat.

    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 for increasing sleepiness, vomiting, confusion, ringing in the ears, rapid breathing, abdominal swelling, trouble urinating, or new palpitations.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the specific exposure.

    After assessing the product, amount, timing, symptoms, and health history, Poison Control may recommend home monitoring for a low-risk exposure.

    Follow those instructions closely rather than relying on a general online estimate.

    Routine follow-up with a primary care clinician may be appropriate after repeated dosing errors, ongoing diarrhea, or abnormal kidney, electrolyte, or heart tests.

    Persistent diarrhea itself may need assessment, especially when accompanied by dehydration, blood in the stool, fever, or significant abdominal pain.

    If excessive use was related to opioid withdrawal, cravings, or self-harm, follow-up should include supportive treatment for those concerns.

    Evidence-based help is available, and seeking it is an important part of preventing another overdose.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

After an accidental exposure, review how medicines are measured and stored.

Keep all products in their original child-resistant containers, out of sight and reach.

Avoid combining diarrhea medicines unless a healthcare professional confirms that the ingredients can be used together.

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