Ben-Gay ointment overdose

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.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths 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. It may be necessary to use an ambulance. 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:

• Induce vomiting.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a laxative.
• Take a blood sample taken to determine salicylate level in blood.
• Administer fluids (milk, fruit juices or, in severe cases IV fluids).
• Give sponge water baths to control fever.
• Give other medications given as needed.
• Treat complications as necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

Ben-Gay ointment overdose is rarely a serious poisoning, depending on the blood level of salicylates found. Recovery is likely if the acidic effect of the salicylate can be effectively neutralized.