Rat poison contains different ingredients that help kill rodents. However, any exposure to those ingredients can prove lethal to humans. You may have to deal with serious consequences if you ingest those substances. However, the time it takes to experience rat poison symptoms depends on how much poison is ingested. Other factors may also contribute to how severe the effects of rat poison are.

Interestingly, you may experience signs of rat poisoning even when you have not ingested rat poison – it happens because of your exposure to warfarin, which is used in rat poison as well as in medicines. Let's find out more about the effects of rat position.

Rat Poison Effects on Humans

Exposure to rat poison can result in serious side effects. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have ingested rat poison. Here is what rat poison can do to you.

1. Hemorrhage

Rat poisons contain warfarin and other anticoagulants that can cause bleeding several days after you have ingested poison. Bleeding may occur from the gums and nose, and you may have bruises all over your body. There may also be blood in the stools and urine – some people also vomit blood.

Your blood pressure may go down if you have internal bleeding. Excessive bleeding can also deplete red blood cells, which may cause anemia. You may also experience other problems, such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. Any bleeding into the brain may cause agitation, confusion, or lethargy.

2. Liver Failure

One of many rat poison effects on humans appears in the form of liver failure. This usually happens when you have ingested zinc phosphide. You are likely to develop jaundice after the ingestion of zinc phosphide. It may also lead to coma, which happens due to encephalopathy. Any buildup of toxins in the brain may result in brain damage and lead to serious consequences.

3. Cardiopulmonary Effects

You may develop cardiopulmonary effects after ingesting zinc phosphide. It can cause difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and cough. Some people also develop pulmonary edema, along with irregular heartbeat, cardiomyopathy, and weakening of the heart muscles.

4. Convulsions

In terms of rat poison effects on humans, it is possible to experience severe convulsion after your exposure to strychnine, which is a poison only trained personnel should handle. You are likely to experience convulsions within 15-20 minutes of ingestion. Zinc phosphide poisoning can also cause severe convulsions.

5. Shock

When you do nothing to stop internal bleeding, it is possible to develop a shock reaction due to decreased blood volume. You may experience issues like decreased urine output, apprehension, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, kidney damage, low body temperature, and loss of consciousness. This eventually leads to coma or even death. Zinc phosphide poisoning may also cause a shock reaction to develop.

6. Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are all common effects of rat poisoning. It is possible to see blood when you vomit. Diarrhea can also be blood-streaked. You may also experience indigestion with abdominal cramping. You usually experience these symptoms almost immediately if you have ingested a large amount of rat poison.

7. Other Symptoms

Along with some more common rat poison effects on humans, there may be some others as well, including fever, hair loss, nerve damage, and chills. Some people start to feel restless, while others develop nasal complications and dementia. Other serious complications include respiratory distress, seizures, heart attack, trouble breathing, and death.

Warning

You should reach the National Poison Control Center immediately if you notice any symptoms of rat poisoning in someone. You can call (800) 222-1222 any time you need help with anything associated with rat poisoning.