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Warning-sign checks

Oral hypoglycemics 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

    Contact a poison centre or emergency medical service immediately.

    Call emergency services now if the person:

    • Is unconscious, having a seizure, or difficult to wake
    • Cannot swallow safely
    • Has severe confusion or unusual behaviour
    • Has deep, rapid, or difficult breathing
    • Collapses or develops severe weakness
    • Has a very low glucose reading that does not improve promptly

    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

    Treat any suspected oral diabetes medicine overdose as urgent.

    Do not wait for symptoms, and do not drive yourself if you feel weak, confused, or sleepy.

    New confusion, repeated low glucose, worsening vomiting, rapid breathing, or increasing drowsiness requires urgent reassessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    After discharge, routine follow-up is appropriate for reviewing the medication plan, kidney function, diabetes control, or emotional wellbeing.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side if you can do so safely.

Do not give food, drink, or tablets by mouth.

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