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Peppermint oil overdose
Definition:
Poisoning from an overdose of peppermint oil.

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • menthol
Where Found:
  • used as a flavoring agent in various products
  • used as an antiseptic and local anesthetic
  • used in herbal medicine as a spasmolytic
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms:
Home Treatment:
Call Poison Control.
DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY Poison Control.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information:
  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
  • the time it was swallowed
  • the amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. 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:
  • Administer castor oil.
  • Use gastric lavage.
  • Give milk or mineral oil.
  • Give other fluids, with the amount being determined by kidney function.
  • Treat the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis):
Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If damage to the kidneys has occurred, it may take several months to heal.
Review Date: 1/11/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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