Need poison help now? Call 1-800-222-1222
We are California’s fast, free, and confidential telehealth provider for poison information, advice, and treatment recommendations. Our experts are available to serve you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. Interpretation services are available in more than 200 languages.
When to call
- Call the Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 if you
- Think there has been a poisoning
- Need to know if something is poisonous or not
- Have any poison related questions
- Call 911 right away if someone is
- Unconscious and cannot be awakened
- Having trouble breathing
- Having a seizure or uncontrollably shaking
- Experiencing weakness or collapsing
How we help
- Treatment guidance from poison experts, including pharmacists and physician specialists in poisoning care.
- Free, non-judgmental, confidential support.
- Language interpretation in 200+ languages.
- Expert support for medical professionals.
Learn more about when to call the Poison Hotline and what to expect during your call by visiting Poison Emergency.
Featured seasonal alerts
Pictured is a pair of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides).
Wild mushroom poisonings are increasing in California
Avoid picking, cooking, or eating wild mushrooms — many can be deadly. Only eat mushrooms from trusted grocery stores or markets.
If someone has eaten a wild mushroom and feels sick (severe vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain), call 911 immediately for emergency medical help, then call the Poison Hotline for professional guidance at 1-800-222-1222.
- Find more information, resources and materials on wild mushroom poisonings. This page links to an English webpage, if you would like to view it in your preferred language, you can set your browser to that language.
Pictured is a rattlesnake.
Rattlesnake exposures are rising in California
Avoid touching or approaching rattlesnakes — their bites can be dangerous and sometimes deadly, and rattlesnakes in California are most active during warmer months and outdoor recreation season. Only admire snakes from a safe distance and stay on trails when hiking.
If someone has been bitten by a rattlesnake, call 911 immediately for emergency medical help, then call the Poison Hotline for professional guidance at 1-800-222-1222. Keep the person calm, and do not apply ice, cut the bite, suck out venom, or use a tourniquet.
- Find more information, resources and materials on rattlesnakes. This page links to an English webpage, if you would like to view it in your preferred language, you can set your browser to that language.
Explore more seasonal and situational poison risks by visiting Topics.
Poison prevention resources
Candy or Medicine?
Candy and medicine can look, smell, and taste alike. Test your knowledge with our quick activity for families and caregivers. This activity is available in English or Spanish.
Test your knowledge identifying candy or medicine
Un cuestionario PARA AYUDARTE A DISTINGUIR ENTRE DULCES Y MEDICAMENTOS
Explore more educational resources to protect your family and community from poison risks by visiting Resources & Materials.