What should I do if my baby accidentally swallowed ointment?

Question

Hello doctor,

My baby, one year old and six days, accidentally ate an ointment containing Calmoseptine. I found him with the sachet in his mouth, and the ointment was on his chin. I found him sucking on the sachet, but when I looked and scooped his mouth, there was nothing. I am not sure if he swallowed any, but I feel very worried. I made him drink water, and right now I am monitoring him.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Regarding your concern about your child swallowing an ointment containing Zinc oxide and Menthol, this is just a domestic accident that does occur within that age range for children. Anyway, I believe he may have swallowed some quantity, but the components of the ointment may be less lethal to the body system. You would have put your finger deep down the throat to cause emesis, but you have already given him water to drink, which may have flushed it down the stomach. So, what you will need to do is to take him to the emergency room and let them examine him. You can also give him enough water to drink to flush any content via urine, and continue to observe for any changes.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.