Zinc oxide overdose

Definition

Zinc oxide is an ingredient in many products. Some of these are certain creams and ointments used to prevent or treat minor skin burns and irritation. Zinc oxide overdose occurs when someone eats one of these products. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with has an exposure or swallows it, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Desitin overdose; Calamine lotion overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Zinc oxide can cause symptoms if it is eaten, or if its fumes are breathed in. Local skin irritation and allergic reactions may occur if you are sensitive to the chemical.

Where Found

Zinc oxide is used in many different products, including:

  • Zinc oxide ointment
  • Diaper rash medicines
  • Hemorrhoid medicines
  • Skin lotions
  • Calamine lotion
  • Caladryl lotion
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Cosmetics
  • Paint
  • Rubber goods
  • Paper coating

Other products may also contain zinc oxide.

Symptoms

Zinc oxide poisoning can cause these symptoms:

  • Fever, chills
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Mouth and throat irritation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Yellow eyes and skin

Most of the harmful effects of zinc oxide come from breathing in the gas form of zinc oxide at industrial sites in the chemical or welding industry. This leads to a condition known as metal fume fever. Symptoms of metal fume fever include a metallic taste in the mouth, fever, headache, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Symptoms start about 4 to 12 hours after breathing in the fumes and may result in serious injury to the lungs.

Home Care

If someone swallows a lot of zinc oxide, give them water or milk right away. Do NOT give water or milk if the person is vomiting or has a decreased level of alertness.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical is breathed in (inhaled), move the person to fresh air.

Call your health care provider or poison control center.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

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

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)

Treatment may include:

  • Activated charcoal
  • Breathing support, which may include oxygen or a ventilator (tube through the mouth into the lungs and breathing machine)
  • Intravenous fluids (IV, given through a vein)
  • Laxative
  • Medicine to treat symptoms
  • Skin and eye washing if the product touched these tissues and they are irritated or swollen

Outlook (Prognosis)

Zinc oxide is not very poisonous if it is eaten. Long-term recovery is very likely. However, people who have had long-term exposure to metal fumes may develop serious lung disease.

References

Aronson JK. Zinc. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:568-572.

Glaser DA, Prodanovic E. Sunscreens. In: Draelos ZD, Dover JS, Alam M, eds. Cosmeceuticals: Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 17.

Markell M, Siddiqi HA. Vitamins and trace elements. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.

Meehan TJ. Care of the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 135.

Review Date: 7/1/2023
Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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