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Sports Cream overdose
Definition:
This poisoning is from an overdose of sports creams and ointments.

Alternative Names:
Ben-Gay; Methyl-salicylate; Menthol

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • Methyl-salicylate
  • Menthol
Where Found:
  • Many topical sports creams
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
Remove any ointment still remaining on the skin, if the ointment is in the eyes, flush the eyes with water. If the ointment was swallowed, call Poison Control for guidance. For any exposure to the eyes or any ingestion, seek medical care immediately.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • The patient's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
  • For swallowed poison
    • Placement of a tube down the nose and into the stomach (a nasogastric tube, or an NG tube) to wash out the stomach
    • Activated charcoal administration
    • Take a blood sample taken to determine salicylate level in blood
    • Give IV fluids
    • Admission to the hospital
    • Treat the symptoms
  • For skin exposure
    • Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days
    • Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin)
    • Admission or transfer to a hospital that specializes in burn care
Expectations (prognosis):
Sports cream and ointment overdose is rarely a serious poisoning, depending on the blood level of salicylates found. Recovery is likely if the acidic effect of the salicylate can be effectively neutralized.
Review Date: 2/7/2002
Reviewed By: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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