This product is not intended for internal use.
Symptoms of acute poisoning from ingestion of iodine include a disagreeable metallic taste, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, thirst and headache may occur. The fatal dose of iodine is 2 to 3g. Symptomatic treatment for allergic reactions and iodism may be required, although symptoms usually subside rapidly when administration of iodine or iodide is stopped.
In acute poisoning copious draughts of milk and starch mucilage should be given.
Lavage should probably not be attempted and certainly not unless iodine had been ingested in sufficiently dilute form not to produce gastrointestinal corrosion. Other treatments include activated charcoal and sodium thiosulphate solution 1% or 5% to reduce iodine to the less toxic iodides. Electrolyte and water losses should be replaced and the circulation should be maintained. Pethidine or morphine sulphate may be given for pain, under medical supervision. A tracheotomy may become necessary.
Provided the product is not applied to large, open wounds or used for prolonged periods, clinically significant systemic absorption is unlikely. Systemic toxicity may lead to shock, tachycardia, fever, metabolic acidosis and renal impairment Death may be due to circulatory failure, oedema of the epiglottis resulting in asphyxia, aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary oedema. Oesophageal stricture may occur if the patient survives the acute stage.