Sports cream overdose

Alternative names

Ben-Gay; Menthol and methyl-salicylate; Methyl-salicylate and menthol

Definition

Sports cream overdose is poisoning from an overdose (by swallowing or skin exposure) of sports creams or ointments that treat aches and pains.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Methyl-salicylate
  
• Menthol
  

Where Found

Methyl-salicylates and menthol are found in many topical pain-relieving sports creams.

Symptoms

• Body as a whole (from ingestion of salicylates)
  o Hyperactivity
  o Fever
  o Convulsions
  o Collapse
  
• Skin
  o Rash (usually an allergic reaction)
  o Mild burn (in extremely high doses)
  
• Respiratory
  o Rapid breathing
  o Cessation of breathing
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Ringing in the ears
  o Eye irritation
  o Loss of vision
  o Throat swelling
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Nausea or vomiting
  o Bleeding in the stomach
  
• Nervous system
  o Dizziness
  o Hallucinations
  o Drowsiness
  
• Kidneys
  o Kidney failure (salicylates)
  
• Blood
  o Too much acid in the blood (low pH)
  

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:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  
• When 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