Persistent vomiting, intense stomach pain, a headache, nausea and fever are a few signs that develop 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Certain bacteria such as Salmonella or Escheria coli are to blame. Sometimes, poisonous fish such as the ciguatera or pufferfish can lead to this debilitating ailment. Fortunately, there are certain prescription medications used to quell these symptoms.
Atropine
The University of Maryland Medical Center says that atropine can be used to manage mushroom poisoning. Atropine works to decrease the muscle contractions of the digestive tract, says Drugs.com. It also reduces secretion of certain organs such as the stomach, salivary glands and pancreas.
Atropine's common side effects include a headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, heartburn, stuffiness, dry mouth and trouble urinating. Atropine's other effects include blurry vision, weakness, trouble urination, nasal congestion and bloating. These effects should resolve within one week of taking atropine.
Atropine's serious side effects include eye pain, a rash, and a fast or irregular heart rate. An allergic reaction to atropine includes such side effects as trouble breathing, closing of the throat and hives. Call 911 because this is a medical emergency.
Atropine is available as an injection or tablet and should be taken as directed.
Cimetidine
Cimetidine is specifically used to manage fish poisoning, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor blocker, and it works to decrease acid in the stomach.
MedlinePlus says that cimetidine's common effects include dizziness, a headache, diarrhea, drowsiness and breast enlargement. Inform a doctor when cimetidine's common effects last for greater than seven days. Cimetidine's serious side effects include depression, nervousness, excitement and hallucinations. Tell a physician right away when cimetidine causes these effects.
Cimetidine is a tablet or liquid taken once a day or two to four times each day.
Apomorphine
Apomorphine is a medication used to induce vomiting in order to get rid of the toxins causing the food poisoning, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
MedlinePlus says that apomorphine's common side effects include diarrhea, a headache, a runny nose, diarrhea, paleness, flushing of the skin, vomiting, joint pain, bone pain and difficulty urinating. Apomorphine can also cause constipation, nausea, weakness and redness, irritation and swelling at the injection site. These symptoms should subside within seven to 10 days.
Apomorphine's serious effects include depression, confusion, hallucinations, visual changes, a cough, a fast or pounding heartbeat, bruising, swelling of the hands or feet and chest pain. Call a physician immediately when apomorphine causes these effects.
Apomorphine is an injection that should be administered as prescribed.
