Ink - writing


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Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Alternative Names

Pen ink


Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help.

Note: Large amounts of writing ink must be consumed (more than an ounce) before treatment is necessary. Contact Poison Control or your local emergency number for more information.


Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • The patient's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.



This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.


What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • Washing of ink from the eyes or skin
  • Treat the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

As these products are generally considered non-toxic, recovery is very likely.



Review Date: 05/16/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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