Clinical Portal 2026Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Poisoning and Accidental Ingestion

What to do if a child may have swallowed medicine, chemicals, plants, batteries, magnets, or another unsafe substance.

Parent GuideReviewed
Stay calmKeep containerDo not induce vomitingCall for help

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Do not wait for symptoms if poisoning is possible. Some dangerous ingestions look harmless at first. Early expert advice is safer than home observation.

What parents may observe

A child may have no symptoms, or may show vomiting, coughing, choking, drooling, sleepiness, agitation, burns around the mouth, breathing difficulty, seizures, unusual smell, or sudden behaviour change.

Potential poisons include medicines, cleaning products, pesticides, kerosene or fuels, button batteries, magnets, cosmetics, alcohol, plants, and adult supplements.

Simple first-aid principles

  • Move the child away from the substance and remove any remaining product from reach.
  • If safe, keep the container, strip, label, plant sample, or photo to show clinicians.
  • Call emergency services or a poison information service promptly for advice.
  • If the substance is on skin or eyes, rinse with clean running water while seeking help.
  • If the child is drowsy, having a seizure, or breathing poorly, call emergency services immediately.

What not to do

DoAvoid
Ask for urgent expert guidance even if the child looks well.Do not make the child vomit.
Keep the child calm and sitting or lying safely.Do not give salt water, oils, herbal remedies, forced milk, or any treatment product unless directed by a clinician.
Bring the product information to medical care.Do not delay care while trying to calculate the amount swallowed.

When to seek urgent care

Call emergency services or go to urgent care now if:
  • The child swallowed a medicine, chemical, pesticide, fuel, button battery, magnet, or unknown substance.
  • There is breathing difficulty, choking, drooling, repeated vomiting, seizure, collapse, or unusual sleepiness.
  • There are burns around the mouth, eye exposure, skin burns, or strong chemical smell.
  • The child is a baby, the amount is uncertain, or you cannot identify the substance.
  • You are worried, even if symptoms have not started.

Medical disclaimer

General education only This guide does not replace emergency care, poison centre advice, toxicology assessment, observation decisions, or individualized advice from your paediatrician.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Poisoning prevention resources. Accessed 22 May 2026.
  2. NHS. Poisoning guidance. Accessed 22 May 2026.
  3. CDC. Poison prevention guidance. Accessed 22 May 2026.
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Poison prevention guidance. Accessed 22 May 2026.
  5. National Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS India. Poison information resources. Accessed 22 May 2026.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026.

Medical review

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-07-01

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesWHO poisoning prevention resources; NHS poisoning guidance; CDC poison prevention guidance; American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren poison prevention guidance; National Poisons Information Centre AIIMS India resources

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.

© Dr. Murali Gopal | For Patient Education Only This educational material is intended for parent and patient education. Reproduction, redistribution, or modification without permission is not allowed.