The Patient's Medical Condition - Preexisting health conditions and medications that the patient is taking routinely can influence the recommended treatment. Past allergic reactions also are important for the Poison Center staff to know in order to make appropriate treatment recommendations. Exact Name of the Product - Many household and yard products have similar actions but different active ingredients. The active ingredient is important for the Poison Center staff to know in order to make appropriate treatment recommendations. The same is true for medications.
Many medications have several strengths.
The exact strength of the medication is essential. How Long it Lasted - Reactions to some products occur immediately, while others do not occur for several hours or days. The time and extent of the exposure is important in determining necessary treatment. The Patient's Present Condition - Symptoms that the patient is experiencing as a result of the exposure are vital in determining the appropriate type of treatment needed. If the patient is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, let the Poison Center staff know immediately.