<p>Iron overdosage is dangerous, particularly in children and requires immediate attention. Gastric lavage should be carried out in the early stages, or if this is not possible vomiting should be induced. These procedures should not be undertaken where signs of the corrosive effects of zinc are present. Give oral desferrioxamine (2 gm for a child or 5 gm for an adult) and demulcent. If serum Iron levels at 4 hours or more post-ingestion are over 5mg/l in a child or 8 mg/l in adults, or if the patient is in shock of coma, intravenous desferrioxamine should be used. Zinc Sulphate in gross over dosage is corrosive. Symptoms are those of gastrointestinal irritation leading in severe cases to haemorrhage, corrosion of the mucosa and possible later stricture formation. Gastric lavage or emesis should be avoided. Demulcents such as milk should be given. Chelating agents such as Dimercaprol, Penicillamine or Edetic Acid have been recommended.<br />
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Symptomatic and supportive measures should be given as required. The timed-release capsule presentation may delay excessive absorption of Iron and Zinc and allow more time for initiation of appropriate counter-measure.</p>