About us

The VPIC provides advice to the Victorian Public and to health care providers about what to do if a person has been poisoned, has overdosed, has made a mistake with medicines or has been bitten/stung by a snake, spider, bee, wasp or other creature.

We also provide statewide toxicology guidelines for health professionals.

If someone has collapsed, stopped breathing, or is having a seizure or anaphylactic reaction, call 000 for an ambulance. Do NOT ring the Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC).

Call us if someone:

• Has been poisoned
• Has overdosed
• Has made a mistake with medicines
• Has been bitten or stung by something venomous (for example a snake, spider, bee or wasp)

Phone: 131 126

Callers who do not speak English can call us via the translating and interpreting service on 131 450.

Our services

We provide the following services:

• For members of the public: 24/7 telephone assessment and advice on first aid for poisoning, with or without referral to a doctor or hospital
• For health care providers: 24/7 specialist high-level advice on the management of acutely poisoned patients, and information about the effects and management of chronic exposures, or specific formulations or products
• State-wide toxicology clinical management guidelines
• Education and training to nurses, pharmacists, doctors and rural and remote practitioners involved in caring for poisoned patients
• Advice to government, industry and regulatory agencies to assist in implementation of interventions to reduce harm within the community
• Advice on how to prevent poisoning and the hazards associated with medicines, chemicals, plants, pesticides and other products
• Free resources for Victorians (such as pamphlets, stickers and fridge magnets on preventing poisoning and how to contact VPIC) - order these using the form below

If an animal has been exposed to a poison, please do not call us. Contact your local veterinarian for advice.

Information sheets

Find out more about these poisons:

• Camphor blocks or camphorated oil
• Chest rubs and vapouriser fluids
• Mushrooms
• Naphthalene (mothballs or flakes)
• Oleander
• Plants

Related services

• Clinical Toxicology guidelines

  These guidelines were produced by our clinical toxicologists and specialists in poison information for use by clinicians.

• Emergency

  Austin Health Emergency is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 000 in an emergency.

Contact us

Victorian Poisons Information Centre

Phone: 131 126 (24 hours a day, seven days a week)

Fax: 03 9496 4912