Drank 100ml Of Bathroom Cleaner Phenyl. Stable After 6hrs. Drank Water, Vomited Few Times. Having Headache. Risk? Precaution?

Posted on Sun, 23 Jun 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 Answered on

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Adult by mistake drank 100ml of bathroom cleaner phenyl thinking as cold drink..stable even after 6hours , drank 3 glass of water after 15/20mins , vomited couple of times and had headache earlier...now fine but is there any risk ? what are precaution any remedies suggested...

Answered by Dr. omz (1 hour later)

Hello,

I am Dr.Omer and I am here to help you with your query.

As you have said that you have taken accidentally phenyl ( bathroom detergent ) , you are stable after 6 hours , drank water , vomited with headache .

Phenyl contains acid ( sulphuric acid) and thats get absorbed fast.

MOstly and intially there is superficial layer of burning sensation in throat , but as you have vomited alot and drank water too , to neutralize it , so the damage will be minimum.

Phenyl acid takes less than 40 seconds to get absorbed through the food tube and stomach and initially it shows no symptoms , the symptoms start to develop after 12 -18 hrs .

The acid that phenyl contains , does not show any damage in the start , but after 24 hours , it shows the main problem , like erosions , mild hemorrhage and in some cases perforation.

Endoscopy after 24 hours is a MUST after phenyl ingestion , just to see whats happening inside food tube and stomach.

I have seen a lot of patients with phenyl ingestion.

And i would strongly recommend to go to ER or Gastroenterologist for endoscopy + heavy dose of stomach coaters like ( omeprazole ) .

Drink water + milk till you go to your doctor, as they also make a stomach coating.

I hope, I was helpful to you.

Feel free to ask any further questions.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. omz (21 hours later)

Thanks for your reply..she drank only a very small quantity (less than 100ml) of home cleaner phenyl@6pm yday and fine from this morning...there is no other symptoms yet except little weakness yday night and this morning..now that is gone too with no other complain..looks absolutely fine , taking proper food n doing all normal activities..is there any further reason to get concerned..wat further precaution to take -if any ...

Answered by Dr. omz (4 hours later)

Hello again,

Thankyou for understanding.

I am happy to learn that she is fine , and i think its been more than 24 hrs , SO NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT NOW.

If she has not vomited till now , no nausea , no black stools , no upper abdomen pain , no dizziness , THEN NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT.

Keep on observing her for next 24 hrs more , if above symptoms do not occur , no need to go to ER.

Just follow the precautions I told you above , and everything will be fine.

Wishing you health and happiness.

Take care,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T