Eugenol oil overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from swallowing a large amount of eugenol oil (clove oil).
Alternative Names
Clove oil overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
- Some toothache medications
- Food flavorings
- Clove-cigarettes
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
Lungs
- Breathing - shallow
- Breathing - rapid
- Coughing up blood
Bladder and kidneys
Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
- Burns in mouth and throat
Skin
- Redness and swelling where it touched the skin
Gastrointestinal
Heart and blood
Nervous system
Home Care
Seek immediate emergency help. DO NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by a doctor or poison control center.
If the product touched the skin, clean the area 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
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
- Treatment to cause vomiting -- must be done very carefully so patient will not inhale any of the oil. This is best left to health care providers at an emergency room.
- Activated charcoal
- Give milk.
- Endoscopy if there is evidence of burns to the throat.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If any damage to the kidneys or throat has occurred, it may take several months to heal.
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.
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