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Contac overdose

Definition

Contac is the brand name for a cough, cold, and allergy medicine that contains several ingredients. Contact overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Chlorpheniramine
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Dextromethorphan hydrobromide
• Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
• Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Note: Not all of these ingredients are found in every form of Contac.

Where Found

• Contac

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Blurred vision
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Convulsions
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Rapid heartbeat
• Nervous system
  • Depression
  • Delirium
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fever
  • Hallucinations
  • Nervousness
  • Tremor
  • Unsteadiness

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

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 United States 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• Tube thru the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

If the patient survives the first 24 hours, survival is likely. Few patients actually die from this type of overdose.

Review Date: 1/23/2008
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.