ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Piperonyl butoxide with pyrethrins poisoning

Definition

Piperonyl butoxide with pyrethrins is an ingredient found in medications to kill lice. Poisoning occurs when someone swallows the product or too much of the product touches the skin.

Alternative Names

Pyrethrins poisoning; Lice medication poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

• Piperonyl butoxide
• Pyrethrins

Where Found

• A-200
• Barc (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Blue (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Control-L (also contains petroleum distillates)
• End Lice
• Lice-Enz Foam Kit
• Pronto
• Pyrinex Pediculicide (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Pyrinyl (also contains kerosene)
• Pyrinyl II
• Pyrinyl Plus
• R & C spray
• Rid (also contains petroleum distillates and benzyl alcohol)
• Tisit
• Tisit Blue (also contains petroleum distillates)
• Triple X Kit (also contains petroleum distillates)

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Chest pain
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye irritation if it touches the eyes
• Nausea
• Rash (allergic reaction)
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Vomiting

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• When it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Cleaning of exposed skin
• Washing and examination of eyes as necessary
• Treatment of allergic reactions as necessary

Outlook (Prognosis)

Most symptoms are seen in patients who are allergic to pyrethrins. Piperonyl butoxide has a low toxicity.