When someone may have been poisoned, quick action matters — but the right action matters even more. Many common home remedies and long-standing beliefs about poisoning are outdated or incorrect, and some actually can make the situation worse.
Poisonings can happen in many ways: swallowing medications or household products, breathing in fumes, skin exposure, or bites and stings. Because every exposure is different, the safest first step is to call the Kentucky Poison Center right away for guidance. Specialists are available to assess the situation and recommend the safest next step.
Below are some of the most common poisoning myths and the facts you should know to keep yourself and your family safe.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: If someone drinks or eats poison, they should immediately throw up.
Fact: Vomiting might be the wrong thing to do. Some substances that cause mild irritation in the stomach can cause serious damage if inhaled into the lungs, which can happen when vomiting. Inducing vomiting without guidance can make a poisoning worse.
What to do instead: Call 1-800-222-1212 first to find out the safest way to treat the person.
Myth: Everyone should keep syrup of ipecac in their home in case poison is ingested.
Fact: Syrup of ipecac causes vomiting, but inducing vomiting is no longer routinely recommended for poisonings. It can delay proper treatment and may increase the risk of breathing poison into the lungs. Because of this, it is no longer recommended for routine home use.
What to do instead: Call 1-800-222-1212 to receive specific instructions based on the substance involved.
Myth: Drinking milk will counteract an ingested poison.
Fact: Milk is not a universal antidote. In some cases, it can cause stomach upset or interfere with proper treatment. For certain substances, drinking milk may even worsen symptoms.
What to do instead: Call 1-800-222-1212 to learn the safest response for the specific exposure.
Myth: If it’s natural, it won’t hurt you.
Fact: “Natural” does not always mean safe. Many plants, essential oils, supplements and natural substances can be toxic, especially in large amounts in children and pets. Even vitamins and herbal products can cause harm if used incorrectly.
What to do instead: Use all products as directed and call 1-800-222-1212 if exposure occurs.
Myth: If someone is bitten by a snake, put a tourniquet on the limb and cut an “X” over the bite.
Fact: Cutting the bite or applying a tourniquet can cause serious tissue damage and worsen the injury. These methods do not remove venom and may delay proper medical care.
What to do instead:
- Wash the area with soap and water if possible.
- Keep the person calm and the affected limb still.
- Call 1-800-222-1212 or seek medical help immediately.
Myth: If someone seems fine after a possible poisoning, there’s no need to call for help.
Fact: Some poisons do not cause symptoms right away. Serious effects can develop hours later.
What to do instead: Get early guidance from the Kentucky Poison Center to help prevent complications and determine whether medical care is needed.
Myth: You should give food or drink to “dilute” a poison.
Fact: Giving food or liquids without guidance may worsen certain poisonings, especially with chemicals that can burn the mouth or throat.
What to do instead: Call 1-800-222-1212 first to get instructions tailored to the situation.
When in Doubt, Call Kentucky Poison Center!
Poison specialists can quickly assess the situation and guide you through the safest next steps. Many exposures can be managed safely at home with the right advice.
If you think someone has been exposed to poison, call right away.
Calling is free and confidential. We’re available 24/7.