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Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Petroleum jelly overdose

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 eys, 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.


Expectations (prognosis):

Petroleum jelly is considered nontoxic. Recovery is likely.




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.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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