Definition

This is poisoning from swallowing a lot of petroleum jelly.

Alternative Names

Vaseline

Poisonous Ingredient

  • Petroleum jelly (Petrolatum)

Where Found

  • Vaseline
  • Some skin care products
  • Some eye lubricant ointments
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Irritation of eyes, nose, throat, and skin

Home Treatment

Stop using the product.

This is a petroleum-based product which can cause severe problems if inhaled during vomiting. DO NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control.

If the product is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the person has diarrhea for a long period of time, call your doctor.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • Patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength 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 emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • Observe the patient.
  • Treat the symptoms.
Review Date:3/3/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-KetteringCancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.