A Simple, Safe, and Efficient Way to Treat Severe Fluoride Poisoning—Oral Calcium or Magnesium

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the efficacy and safety of administration of calcium and magnesium orally and intraperitoneally to treat severe sodium fluoride intoxication. Materials and Methods: Mice were initially gavaged a lethal dose of sodium fluoride (NaF) or water. Then, mice were treated with water or varying concentrations of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) or magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) via intraperitoneal (IP) route or via oral route. Mice were monitored for 24h, and the time of death was recorded. Results: IP injections of large amounts of CaCl₂ or MgSO₄ were dangerous. All mice gavaged with water and then treated with oral CaCl₂ or MgSO₄ survived and displayed normal activity during the experiment. The survival rate of mice gavaged with a lethal dose of NaF and then treated with a high dose of oral CaCl₂ or MgSO₄ was significantly higher than those of using low dose. Conclusion: Oral administration of a high dose of CaCl₂ or MgSO₄ is a simple, safe, and effective adjunctive method for treating severe oral fluoride poisoning.

Keywords :

• Fluoride
• Poisoning
• Calcium
• Magnesium