Sachet poisoning

Alternative Names: Potpourri poisoning

A sachet is a bag that holds perfumed powder or a mix of dried flowers, herbs, spices, and aromatic wood shavings (potpourri). Sachet poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows the ingredients of a sachet.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient

Potpourri is generally considered to be nontoxic.

Where Found

• Various sachets and potpourri

Note: This list may not include all sources of sachets.

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Eye irritation
  • Throat irritation
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Lungs
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shallow breathing

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

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
• Breathing support
• Fluids by IV

Prognosis (Outlook)

How well you do depends on the amount of the substance swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Sachets are not considered very poisonous.

Review Date: 1/27/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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