Hi,

Thanks for your query.

The household toilet cleaner Harpic contains hydrochloric acid (~10%) as the active ingredient, along with butyl oleylamine. Hydrochloric acid in the cleaner is what causes the symptoms of poisoning. Well, it’s a less violent acid comparatively. It does not cause serious damage to any of the vital organs but can damage the mucus membrane in the stomach causing bleed and in long time after years it can causes esophageal stricture.

Since the contents are corrosive in nature, stomach wash can be harmful. So do not try inducing vomiting further; instead you can give her syrup gelusil 5 to 10ml immediately. Take her to the emergency room as soon as possible even by force - as a life is more important and precious than any other thing.

At the hospital, she would then need to be monitored for a day or two for any bleeding and treated accordingly. In addition intravenous antibiotic can be started to prevent infection.

She needs immediate medical attention to rule out any serious adverse effects of Harpic on her body. Though there is no specific antidote to the hydrochloric acid poisoning but medications to reduce acidity in stomach (like intravenous Proton pump inhibitor twice a day) are must.

Recovery is good, but please rush to the hospital at the earliest so that the treatment can begin immediately.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer and write a review.

Wish you good health.


Regards
Dr Sourav Ganguly

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