1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Health Topics A-Z

From About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX
Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T V W Y Z

Imipramine overdose

Overview Symptoms Treatment
Alternative Names:
Tofranil; Janimine
Home Treatment:
Call the Poison Control center for guidance. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING) UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed
  • if the medication was prescribed for the patient
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the person to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
  • Induce emesis.
  • Administer activated charcoal.
  • Administer a laxative.
  • Use gastric lavage.
  • Monitor the patient's vital signs (temperature, pulse, rate of breathing, blood pressure).
  • Maintain the patient's airway.
  • Replace fluid if appropriate.
  • Monitor imipramine levels.
  • Treat the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis):
The amount swallowed and the time before appropriate therapy is initiated usually determine final outcome. Patients have died as late as 72 hours after an overdose ingestion. The sooner therapy is applied, the greater chance of a positive outcome.
adam.com
Explore Health Topics A-Z
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Health Topics A-Z

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.