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Eucalyptus oil overdose

Definition

Eucalyptus oil overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows large amounts of a product containing this ingredient.

Poisonous Ingredient

Eucalyptus oil

Where Found

Eucalyptus oil is an ingredient found in many over-the-counter products, including some:

• Medicated rubs and liniments
• Diaper rash creams 
• Inhalers to relieve nasal congestion
• Medication for sore gums, mouths, and throat
• Mouthwashes

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Airways and lungs
  • Breathing - rapid
  • Breathing - shallow
• Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Burning sensation in mouth
  • Pinpoint pupils
• Heart and blood
  • Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Muscles and joints
  • Muscle weakness
• Nervous system
  • Drowsiness
  • Unconsciousness
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Slurred speech
• Skin
  • Redness and swelling (from touching the skin)
• Stomach and intestinal tract
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Breathing tube to help with breathing and protect the windpipe and lungs from getting eucalyptus oil into them when you vomit
• Fluids
• Tube thru the nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If any damage to the kidneys has occurred, it may take several months to heal. Drowsiness may persist for several days.

Review Date: 1/20/2008
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.