Eucalyptus Oil 

Definition of Eucalyptus oil overdose: 

Eucalyptus oil overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows large amounts of a product containing this ingredient. 

This  is for information only  and not for use  in the treatment  or management of  an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number)  or the National Poison Control Center.. 

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:

• Airways and lungs 
• Breathing - rapid 
• Breathing - shallow 
• Wheezing
• Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth 
• Difficulty swallowing 
• Burning sensation in mouth 
• Pinpoint pupils 
• Heart and blood 
• Rapid, weak heartbeat 
• Low blood pressure 
• Muscles and joints 
• Muscle weakness 
• Nervous system 
• Drowsiness
• Headache 
• Unconsciousness 
• Dizziness
• Seizures
• Slurred speech 
• Skin 
• Redness and swelling (from touching the skin) 
• Stomach and intestinal tract 
• Abdominal pain 
• Diarrhea 
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Home Treatment: 

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make  a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control  or a health care professional. 

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water  for at least 15 minutes. 

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 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 United States 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. 

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. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. 

The patient may receive: 

• Activated charcoal 
• Breathing tube to help  with breathing and protect the windpipe  and lungs from getting eucalyptus oil into them when vomiting 
• Fluids through  a vein (intravenously) 
• Laxative
• Medication to help reverse the  effects of the poison 
• Tube through the nose into the stomach  to wash out  the stomach (gastric lavage) 
• Expectations (prognosis): 

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

Notes: FCbinderMD

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EditText of this page (last edited April 21, 2010)