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Poisoning & Overdose
Harm caused by swallowing, inhaling or absorbing a toxic substance or too much of a medicine. Effects range from mild to life-threatening.
Causes & risk factors
- Accidental medicine overdose
- Household chemicals or pesticides
- Snakebite or venomous stings
- Alcohol or recreational drugs
- Carbon monoxide or toxic fumes
Common symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Abdominal pain
Tests & diagnosis
- Identifying the substance taken
- Liver function
- Kidney function
- Electrolytes
- Drug levels where available
Treatment & management
- Call your local emergency number or a poison helpline immediately
- Take the container or medicine packet to hospital
- Do not make the person vomit unless told to by a professional
- Specific antidotes where they exist
- Supportive care and monitoring in hospital
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call your local emergency number now for collapse, seizures or breathing difficulty after exposure
- Seek immediate care for any suspected overdose, even if the person seems well
- For snakebite, keep the limb still and reach hospital urgently
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about poisoning & overdose. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make someone vomit after poisoning?
No — this can cause harm. Follow the advice of emergency services or a poison control helpline.
What information helps the doctors most?
What was taken, how much, and when — bring the container or packet if you can.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.