Share on Pinterest It is imperative that a person seeks immediate medical attention if they have ingested antifreeze.Ī person should call 911 immediately or go straight to the emergency room if they suspect that they or someone else has ingested antifreeze. We also discuss what antifreeze is and tips for preventing accidental ingestion. We also cover symptoms, treatment, and complications of antifreeze poisoning. In this article, we discuss what to do if someone ingests antifreeze. The AAPCC helpline is open 24 hours and is toll-free. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning may take time to develop, and they can be similar to alcohol intoxicationĪnyone who suspects that they or someone else has ingested antifreeze should seek immediate medical attention or call the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) for expert advice at 1-80. Antifreeze typically contains ethylene glycol, methanol, and propylene glycol.Īlthough the chemicals in antifreeze are relatively nontoxic, the body can metabolize them into highly toxic alcohol byproducts. People add antifreeze to vehicle radiators to prevent the liquid coolant inside from freezing and overheating.

Antifreeze poisoning can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Antifreeze contains chemicals that are toxic if a person ingests them.

Antifreeze antidote