Doctor Nguyen Thi Hanh Trang, Deputy Head of Pediatrics at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, reported that baby Khang ingested Metformin hydrochloride 750 mg, an oral medication for adults with diabetes to lower blood sugar. Khang swallowed the pill over six hours prior, exceeding the critical "golden window" for gastric lavage. Doctors admitted him for blood sugar monitoring and prevention of potential side effects.

Ingesting this medication can lead to Metformin poisoning in young children, potentially causing severe hypoglycemia, seizures, and coma. If left untreated, patients risk lactic acidosis, a dangerous, life-threatening complication marked by elevated lactic acid levels in the blood. Poisoning symptoms in children typically emerge one to six hours after ingestion, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, rapid breathing, drowsiness, or unusual agitation. In severe instances, children may experience hypoglycemia, presenting with symptoms like sweating, tremors, seizures, and loss of consciousness, doctor Trang explained.

The blood sugar lowering pill ingested by baby Khang. Photo: Gian Don

After two days of hospitalization, doctors measured Khang's vital signs and tested his blood sugar. His overall health remained stable, with no abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to his discharge. Doctors recommended that the family continue close monitoring at home and seek re-examination if any abnormalities occur.

Doctor Trang advises adults to keep medications and small items out of children's reach. Families should regularly check floors and room corners for small objects such as: batteries, coins, and buttons. Young children should never be left to play unsupervised. If a child swallows a foreign object, parents should calmly check the child's mouth and gently remove the object if it is still there. However, if the object has been swallowed, the child should be taken to the hospital immediately, bringing the medication packaging or the swallowed item. Parents must not attempt to induce vomiting by probing the throat, nor should they give the child milk, water, or any food to help the foreign object go down.

Gian Don

*Patient's name has been changed