Eucalyptus Oil Overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from swallowing a large amount of eucalyptus oil.

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

Symptoms

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

Home Treatment

Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so by a physician or other health care professional.

Wash exposed skin with soap and water.

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 U.S. 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Fluids
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal

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Review Date:3/18/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.