Peppermint oil overdose
Key points
- DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY Poison Control.
- Poison Control, or a local emergency number They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital.
- Expectations (prognosis) Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur.
- See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
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
- body as a whole
o twitching
o Convulsions
o incoordination - respiratory
o slowed breathing
o shallow breathing
o may also be rapid - gastrointestinal
o Abdominal pain
o diarrhea
o nausea and Vomiting - heart and blood vessels
o slow heartbeat
o flushing - nervous system
o unconsciousness
o dizziness
o Depression
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.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.