This checklist helps a household plan who to call and what information to take. It does not decide whether an individual symptom is an emergency.
Last reviewed: August 8, 2026
Call emergency services
Breathing or swallowing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, seizure, fainting, suicidal behavior, severe confusion with unsafe behavior, or sudden severe chest, back, or abdominal pain can require emergency help.
Prompt prescriber contact
New tendon pain or swelling, burning or numbness, significant mood or behavior change, severe watery or bloody diarrhea, jaundice, markedly reduced urination, or major glucose changes should be assessed promptly.
Prepare the handoff
Have the bottle, dose times, symptom start time, allergies, infection being treated, kidney history, and medicine list ready. Do not drive when faint, confused, or severely dizzy.
Localize the plan
Write the local emergency number, poison center where applicable, prescriber after-hours line, pharmacy, and nearest urgent-care or emergency facility on the printed copy.