Doctor's Notes on Iron Poisoning (Overdose) In Children
Iron poisoning in children usually occurs when a child swallows a large number of iron-containing pills, most often vitamins. The amount of iron that causes iron poisoning depends upon the size of the child. If you know or suspect a child has consumed tablets that contain iron, call 9-1-1 and go to a hospital's emergency department or contact a poison control center immediately at 800-222-1222.
Initially a child may show no symptoms of having consumed iron and the only evidence may be an opened vitamin bottle. Symptoms of iron poisoning in children usually appear within 6 hours after a large amount of iron is consumed. Iron is a stomach irritant and can corrode the intestinal lining. Symptoms of iron poisoning in children include
- severe vomiting (may be bloody),
- diarrhea (may be bloody),
- abdominal pain,
- dehydration, and
- lethargy.
If severe poisoning is inadequately treated, shock and death can occur.
What Is the Treatment for Iron Poisoning (in Children)?
Care must be taken to keep iron (and all other medications) out of the reach of children.
Acute iron poisoning due to overdose is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you suspect your child has taken an overdose of iron pills.
Patients with iron overdose may need emergency stabilization with intravenous fluids and medications, cardiac monitoring and possibly even emergency intubation.
If the overdose happened in the past few hours, the child may need bowel irrigation and strong laxative fluids to clear out the pills before they are further absorbed.
Severe iron poisoning requires intravenous (IV) chelation therapy with deferoxamine mesylate (Desferal), a chemical that binds to iron and then is excreted safely in the urine. A change in the color of the urine to a red-orange and low blood pressure are common side effects with deferoxamine chelation treatment. Usually, IV chelation treatment lasts for about 24 hours. Other symptomatic and supportive care may be necessary.
Trauma and First Aid : Training and Supplies Quiz

Emotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience.
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Activated Charcoal
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Anemia
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Aspirin Poisoning
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Dehydration in Children
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Diarrhea
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Diarrhea vs. Loose Stools
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High Red Blood Cell Count (Polycythemia Vera)
Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which there is an increased number of red blood cells in the blood. There are two types of polycythemia; 1) primary polycythemia and 2) secondary polycythemia. The two main conditions of primary polycythemia are polycythemia vera (PV) and primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP). Causes of secondary polycythemia include conditions as a result of chronic hypoxia such as COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Examples of symptoms of polycythemia include easy bruising or bleeding, blood clot formation, headache, itching, and fatigue. Treatment for polycythemia depends on the cause. Untreated polycythemia generally has a poor outcome for the patient. -
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
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Mercury Poisoning
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Poison Proofing Your Home
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Poisoning
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Shock
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Stomach Pain (Abdominal Pain) in Children
Abdominal pain in children can range from trivial to life-threatening. Symptoms of abdominal pain range from vomiting, diarrhea, fever, groin pain, urinary problems, or skin rash. The location of the abdominal pain may be around the belly button, occurs only at night, while eating. The pain pain also may be intermittent. Treatment of abdominal pain in children is depends on the cause. Possible causes of abdominal pain in children include infections, food related (food allergy or food poisoning), poisoning from medication, food, household products, appendicitis, diabetes, or spider bites. -
Vomiting and Nausea
Vomiting and nausea are common complaints that accompany many conditions and diseases. A few common causes of vomiting and nausea include food poisoning, viruses, vertigo, head injuries, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, migraine, brain tumors, and infections. Treatment of vomiting and nausea depend on the cause of the symptoms. -
What Foods Are the Highest in Iron?
Meat, eggs and seafood are high-iron foods. Specific fruits and vegetables -- kale and strawberries, for example -- are also high in iron.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.