Does Accidental Ingestion Of Eltroxin By A Child Cause Vomiting?

Posted on Tue, 3 Oct 2017

Question: Hello doctor,

My 2.9 year old son had eltroxin bottle in his hands when I saw him,i m nt sure if he had it or not? After 6 hrs.he vomitted? Plz guide what to do?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and watch

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. In case the child ingests an overdose of Eltroxine (thyroxine) he can present with a number of symptoms including fatigue, sensitivity to heat, increased appetite, sweating and even confusion and disorientation. Unless your child shows such a presentation you need not worry. If he shows these symptoms be sure to rush him to the hospital at the earliest.

Had it been less than an hour, activated charcoal could have been given to reduce the absorption of the medication. It is out of question now. In such a case I would insist you to wait and watch.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (21 minutes later)

Thank you for your response doctor.
This happened yesterday night at around 9:30 pm.First he vomited at early morning 3:30 and second time he vomited at around 5 am,just nw.
Should I meet an doctor now? Plz suggest m worried?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If he develops any untoward presentation(other than this vomiting),visit ER

Detailed Answer:
I think you can wait and watch. If he develops any untoward presentation (other than this vomiting), be sure to rush him to the ER.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)

Thank u doctor
How long we should and wait and watch him?If there is no sign of above symptoms,i need not worry and visiting the doctor is not required ,u mean to say right? This will nt affect the child right?He is as normal as before?
Thanks for your time and patience.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you have understood me correctly

Detailed Answer:
If he has taken toxic doses of thyroxine I do not suppose that he would have been symptom free so long. The symptoms should have typically started in a few hours. Since that is not the case I doubt if there is anything to worry about.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar