National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland

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National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland

Phone us on 01 8092166 for fast, expert advice if you think your child has been poisoned. Calls are answered by specially trained Poisons Information Officers.

Questions about poisoning cannot be answered on this page.Our mission is to provide immediate, evidence-based and up-to-date information on the best care for people We provide information to doctors, nurses & other healthcare professionals to help them give the best treatment to poisoned patients. We also advise members of the public on the need for urgent medical attention if accidental poisoning is suspected. Our public poisons information line (01 8092166) is aimed in particular at parents and those caring for young children. We can rapidly tell you if you need to seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning has occurred. This service is available between the hours of 8am and 10pm 7 days a week. Outside these hours you should contact your GP service or local hospital emergency department who can in turn contact us if necessary. We also serve as an expert resource for physicians and other health care professionals treating patients who have been poisoned. Complex clinical questions can be referred to our Medical Director. This service is available 24 hours a day on our dedicated line for health care professionals (01) 8379964.

11/12/2025

Is MISTLETOE toxic?🎄
YES, all parts of the Mistletoe plant are toxic.
Here's the quick breakdown;
🔺The leaves and stem contain the highest concentrations of toxins.
🔺 The berries contain low concentrations of toxins.
🔺Ingestion of small amounts of plant material can cause tummy upset.
🔺Consumption of large quantities can cause local irritation and necrosis.
🔺An itchy rash has been reported rarely after skin contact.
National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital 01-8092166

11/12/2025

We are delighted and proud to have received Beaumont Hospital's Values in Action Award today. This award celebrates outstanding teams who adhere to the hospitals values of excellence, compassion, respect and patient focused quality care. The award recognises the NPIC's delivery of an exceptional and professional service in line with the hospitals core values.

10/12/2025

✅The Poison Centre can offer advice to patients who have been exposed to a poison.
✅The Poison Centre can prevent needless presentations to emergency departments & GP surgeries.
✅The Poison Centre can prevent unnecessary ambulance use.
Call 01 809 2166 for immediate and free advice on all poison-related emergencies.

10/12/2025

Gummy vitamins are not sweets & can be toxic when a child ingests a large amount. Store all supplements out of reach & sight of children. If poisoning occurs call the National Poisons Information Centre for immediate advice on 01 809 2166.

09/12/2025

All over-the-counter(OTC) medications including analgesics, supplements, cough remedies and herbal preparation are potentially toxic to children and should be kept out of reach and sight.
Call the National Poisons Information Centre (01-8092166) when ingestion of OTC medications occur.

08/12/2025

Is HOLLY toxic? 🎅
YES - Holly plants are considered toxic.
Here's the quick breakdown;
BERRIES
🔺The bright red berries contain a toxin called saponin.
🔺Eating the berries can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
🔺 Children are especially at risk because the berries look attractive.
LEAVES
🔺The leaves are not considered toxic but may cause tummy upset when ingested. The spine-tipped leave can cause tissue damage or obstruction when swallowed.
National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital 01-8092166

08/12/2025

ARE POINSETTIAS POISONOUS??
PoinsettIa (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is well know for it's bright red and green colours. It is a common household plant at Christmas time. It is considered LOW IN TOXICITY.
🔺Accidental ingestion may cause mild tummy upset.
🔺Irritation is possible following skin or eye contact.
🔺It can cause allergic reaction in people with latex allergy.
Contact NPIC (01-8092166) following exposure to Poinsettia.

07/12/2025

It's easy to accidentally overdose with medicine especially when taking analgesics for pain relief e.g. sometimes people exceed the recommended daily dose or use different medicines without knowing they have similar ingredients. Call National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland 01 809 2166 if overdose occurs

07/12/2025

Toothpastes are low in toxicity with normal use. Ingestion of large amounts can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Toxicity from the fluoride content may also occur.
Contact National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland on 01 809 2166 for advice if poisoning is suspected.

06/12/2025

🔴BUTON BATTERY ingestion is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that requires IMMEDIATE ACTION 🔴
Button batteries can cause severe injury within hours if they become lodged in the oesophagus or are swallowed.
WHY ARE THEY DANGEROUS?
🔻When a lithium battery gets stuck in the oesophagus it can generate an electric charge that can cause tissue damage and burns.
🔻Damage can occur within 2 hours of ingestion.
🔻Even 'dead' batteries can cause harm.
🔻Larger batteries in diameter are more likely to become lodged in young children.
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
🔺Dooling, difficulty swallowing or refusal to eat.
🔺Chest pain, coughing, gagging or vomiting.
🔺Unexplained irritability or crying.
🔺Wheezing or noisy breathing.
🔺Sometime, no symptoms - which makes early detection important.
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS
❌ Do not make your child vomit.
✅ Go to the nearest Paediatric Emergency Department immediately.
✅If your child is over 12 months old, give 2 teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes and up to six doses while on the way - but only if your child can swallow safely.
National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital 01-8092166

05/12/2025

Shopping for children's TOYS this weekend?

✅ Always look for the CE mark on toys sold in the European Economic Area. It shows that they meet high safety, health and environmental protection requirements. If you do not see it, don't buy it.
✅ Check the age guidance, particularly when purchasing for children 0-3 years.
✅ Avoid toys that have detachable small parts for younger children.
✅ Always check the battery compartment is securely closed and any spare batteries are stored out of reach and sight of children. Children who have ingested any type of battery will need to be brought to hospital for a chest & abdominal X-ray.
✅ Call the Poisons Centre on 01-8092166 if you suspect your child has ingested toy parts or batteries.

For more information and advice visit the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission at ccpc.ie

National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin Ireland.

05/12/2025

Is your MEDICINE CABINET overdue a declutter?
Cluttered cabinets can lead to old medicines pilling up, look-alike pills and duplicate prescriptions; all of which can put your health at risk.
A quick tidy can make a big improvement;
✅ Better safety for children.
✅Less confusion with your treatments.
✅Improved adherence to medication you may need.
If you are unsure about expired or unused medications, contact your nearest pharmacy for advice.
National Poisons Information Centre 01-8092166

Address

Beaumont Road
Dublin
DUBLIN9

Website

http://www.poisons.ie/

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