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Peppermint oil overdose

Home treatment:

Call Poison Control.
DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY Poison Control.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

  • the patient's age, weight, and condition
  • name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength 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. 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:

  • Administer castor oil.
  • Use gastric lavage.
  • Induce emesis (must be done very carefully so patient will not inhale any of the oil). This is best left to the medical personnel at an emergency room.
  • Give milk or mineral oil.
  • Give other fluids, with the amount being determined by kidney function.
  • Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If damage to the kidneys has occurred, it may take several months to heal.


Adam

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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