Acetone

• Alternative names
• Definition
• Where Found
• Symptoms
• Home Treatment

• Before Calling Emergency
• Poison Control, or a local emergency number
• What to expect at the emergency room
• Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names   

Definition    Return to top

This is poisoning from swallowing acetone.

Where Found    Return to top

• Some cleaning agents
• Some lacquers
• Fingernail polish remover
• Rubber cement
• Some glues

Symptoms    Return to top

• Body as a whole
  • Acting as if drunk
  • Increased need to urinate
  • Low blood pressure
• Respiratory
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Slowed breathing rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bronchial irritation
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • May have fruity odor, or complain of sweet taste in mouth
  • Abdominal pain
• Nervous system
  • Stupor
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma

Home Treatment    Return to top

DO NOT induce vomiting. Contact your poison control center for specific instructions.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number    Return to top

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room    Return to top

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Use gastric lavage.
• Use activated charcoal if the patient arrives immediately after ingesting the poison.
• Administer oxygen if needed.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Survival past 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur.