Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
Whether it is medicine, a household chemical, a pesticide or a plant, the safest first step in poisoning is to call for expert help — and never to make the person vomit unless told to.
1. Call emergency services or a poison helpline immediately.
2. Try to identify what, how much and when it was taken — keep the container/label.
3. Do NOT make the person vomit unless a professional tells you to.
4. Swallowed chemical: do not give anything unless advised.
5. On the skin/eyes: remove contaminated clothing and rinse with plenty of water.
6. Inhaled fumes: get them to fresh air safely; if unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR.
When to see a doctor urgently
Never induce vomiting for acids, alkalis, petroleum products or if the person is drowsy
Take the container or a photo of the label to hospital
Watch for drowsiness, fits, vomiting or breathing difficulty
Pesticide (organophosphate) poisoning is a medical emergency (specific antidotes exist)
Do not induce vomiting. Making someone vomit can cause more harm, especially with chemicals. Get expert advice fast and bring the substance’s details. This is not a substitute for emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make someone vomit after poisoning?
No — not unless a doctor or poison centre tells you to. Vomiting can cause more damage, especially with corrosive chemicals or petroleum products.
What information should I give the poison helpline?
What was taken, roughly how much, when, the person’s age/weight, and their symptoms. Keep the container or label to hand.
What about pesticide poisoning?
It is a medical emergency — get to hospital urgently, as specific antidotes (like atropine and pralidoxime) are needed.
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.