Feeling overheated under the hot summer sun is a common experience. But for some people, experiencing a spike in body temperature—known as hyperthermia—can result from taking certain medications. A recent medical journal article discussed a case of a person whose body temperature reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit while on multiple medications. Fortunately, this patient recovered but … more
If you answered the question above with, “Call the Illinois Poison Center (IPC),” that is a great answer! According to the National Poison Data System (NPDS), 260,000 cases reported to U.S. regional poison centers every year involve medication errors. With nearly 1 out of every 8 cases handled by poison centers involving a medication error, … more
Basements, attics, furnace rooms, barns, sheds/garages…you never know where seriously scary poisons will show up. Some of these poisons have been banned for decades in the U.S. (or used under very tight restrictions) but still available in other areas of the world. Every once in a while, the IPC gets called because someone brought a … more
Poison hemlock is a toxic plant that has appeared in history and literature for thousands of years. But what is it, exactly? And why is still a problem today? We are going to dive into the botanical world of plant identification and toxicology with a short Q & A about this impressive plant.
Not so long ago, if people felt ill during cold and flu season, many would opt for a “hot toddy” drink or an aspirin to help them sleep and heal. These days, many people reach for over-the-counter drugs (OTC) to try and “kill the ill.” Be careful, though: taking new medications can be risky if … more
You wake up one morning with nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. You realize it must be caused by the past-its-prime chicken you ate last night. More than likely, you have food poisoning. This extremely common illness is caused by eating contaminated food. It is estimated that one in six Americans will suffer from a case … more
While the flu always has the potential to be deadly, you may not know about a hidden danger lurking in your medicine cabinet, especially during cold and flu season: acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is a common drug for treating flu symptoms, like fever and chills, muscle and body aches, headaches, and sore throats. Acetaminophen, however, can’t … more
Halloween is just around the corner and little ghosts and goblins everywhere are gearing up for this night of fright! But parents BEWARE! As we begin to get into the spirit of Halloween, here are some quick pointers to ensure a hauntingly delightful Halloween
There are a lot of poisons that can cause significant harm to adults, kids, and pets. But did you ever wonder what kind of things make an expert answering phones in the IPC have a dry mouth, rapid heart rate, and raise the hair on the back of their neck?
The blog series “My Child Ate…” continues with us taking a look at the top ten things children are getting into around the house. Each year, poison centers receive over one million calls involving children ages five and under. Have you ever wondered what in the world kids are getting into? Well check out our … more
How to safely use rat and mouse poison By Tony Burda, DABAT and Grazina Janeliauskaite, Pharm.D. Student Along with the cooling of outdoor temperatures and the chill in the wind at this time of year we all like to come inside to a nice, warm, cozy home and have a pleasant beverage or snack. But we … more
By Tony Burda DABAT and Sheri VanOsdol Pharm.D. The incidence of bee stings tends to rise during the late summer and fall. Recently, a suburban Chicago greenhouse worker died from a suspected reaction to a bee sting. This unfortunate incident prompted us to summarize some simple first aid tips in the event that you are … more
By Anthony M Burda Rph, DABAT aka the Man, the Myth, the Legend Everyone has a tendency to remember where they were and what they were doing on the day something very significant happened in the world, for example, the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the Challenger shuttle went down, or the terrorist … more
