Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

UNIPATH OXYTETRACYCLINE ANTIBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Antibiotic supplement.

SYNONYMS

"antibiotic supplement"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Tetracyclines produce nausea, abdominal pain and burning, vomiting, transitory yellowish-  brown discoloration of the tongue, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Large oral doses may produce liver and kidney damage. Hypersensitivity reactions may also occur. Cross-  sensitivity reactions between tetracyclines are common.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Tetracyclines can cause yellow discoloration of the skin. Adverse effects can occur whether the drug is given orally or injected. A sunlight-induced dermatitis occurs, with swelling, redness, itch and warmth. Covered skin is less susceptible to such damage.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Repeated or prolonged exposures to tetracyclines can cause sore throat, hoarseness, a black hairy tongue, bulky loose stools, fat in the feces, inflammation of the mouth cavity, difficulty swallowing, damage to the anogenital area and ulcers of the esophagus. Deposits in the eye may cause abnormal pigmentation of the conjunctivae. Tetracyclines can interfere with vitamin K function and impair blood clotting. They are deposited in the bones. If pregnant women take them, they can interfere with bone growth of the fetus. Hypersensitivity reactions include burning of the eyes, conjunctivitis, spotty and red rashes, dermatitis with sloughing, hives, itching, swollen cracked lips, an inflamed tongue, fever, asthma, fatty liver, blockage of bile, loss of platelets, neutrophils, white blood cells or all blood cells, swelling due to blood vessels and nerves, inflammation of the membranous sac surrounding the heart, exacerbation of lupus, anaphylactic shock and skin rash due to capillary bleeds. Other signs and symptoms include lung infiltrates, diabetes, temporary muscle disorders, blood poisoning, psychotic reactions and fatal liver damage. Sensitivity to light aggravated by sunlight may occur. Loosening and pigmentation of the nails may occur at the same time. Increased pressure in the head can cause swelling of the optic nerve, headache, vision impairment, and bleeding from the retina, especially in children. Pregnant women seem to be most susceptible to liver damage caused by tetracyclines. Jaundice followed by uremia, acidosis and irreversible shock is usual. Tetracyclines are secreted in the breast milk and readily cross the placenta to affect the fetus. The fetus will show retardation of skeletal development and underdevelopment of the enamel of the teeth. Long-term use of oxytetracyclines often results in kidney damage and failure, with increased urinary output, extreme thirst, protein in the urine, acidosis, sugar and excess amino acids in the urine.  As with any chemical product, contact with unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or ingestion in any form, should be avoided by observing good occupational work practice.