Many weed killers contain dangerous chemicals that are harmful if swallowed. This article discusses poisoning by swallowing weed killers containing a chemical called glyphosate.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Glyphosate

Glyphosate is found in various weed killers, including the brands listed below:

• Roundup
• Bronco
• Glifonox
• Kleen-up
• Rodeo
• Weedoff

• Abdominal cramps
• Anxiety
• Breathing difficulty
• Coma
• Cyanosis (blue lips or fingernails -- rare)
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Irritation of mouth and throat
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Tearing, increased
• Vomiting (may vomit blood)
• Weakness

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

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

Determine the following information:

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

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

• Fluids (water or milk)
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
• Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days

Patients who continue to improve over the first 4 to 6 hours (after medical treatment) usually recover.