What should you do if you've accidentally swallowed rubbing alcohol?

Question

I was recommended to put rubbing alcohol on a cold sore--and luckily, the cold sore's gone now, but I think I might've swallowed some alcohol in the process. I'm a little scared now because whenever I tilt back my head, the taste of the alcohol comes rushing to my mouth--so I think the alcohol may still be running around in my system somewhere. I've been reading around Yahoo! Answers, and people are mostly saying to call Poison Control--unfortunately, I'm not very sure of their number. Another person suggested drinking a lot of water, which I've been doing, but I've still been tasting the alcohol. Could the alcohol pose as a threat to my digestive system? What should I do in this situation?

Answer 1

If you ingested less than an ounce of rubbing alcohol (isopropanol) it will be out of your system in 16 - 20 hrs, ingesting more than that can cause neurological effects (brain and central nervous system)  severe GI hemorrhage, (stomach bleeding) refractory hypotension, (low blood pressure) hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells) and coma.

To contact a Poison Control Center in your area enter your state/province

http://www.aapcc.org/dnn/Resources/FindL...

http://www.alcoholtreatmentclinics.com/i...

Answer 2

1 800 222 1222 Poison control # in the USA Hope this helps Feel better =)

Answer 3

Call poison control center. They're going to ask you how much you think you swallowed, so figure that out. It probably wasn't more than a few drops. Also, stop stressing about the taste of it, you could be tricking your mind into thinking that you DID swallow it, even if you didn't.

Just keep yourself hydrated and you should be fine. However, if you suddenly start feeling these symptoms, GO TO A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY!

-Vomiting

-Dizziness

-Headache

-Sweating

-Too hot/warm

-Freezing and shivering

Are you home alone? How old are you? If you live with someone, especially someone old enough to drive, then warn them that they may have to drive you to the ER if you start feeling those symptoms. Don't try driving yourself there.

Hope I helped. Good luck :/

Answer 4

Well if you are this worried go to the ER!!! I mean don't just sit around hoping you don't die!!