Find a Doctor Employment at WakeMed Events & Education For Physicians For Employees Contact Us

Health Care Encyclopedia

Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Vicks Vaporub overdose

Definition:

Poisoning due to an overdose of camphor.



Alternative Names: Camphor overdose

Poisonous Ingredient:

Camphor



Where Found:
  • Camphorated oil
  • Vicks Vaporub
  • Some moth repellents
  • Topical pain relievers

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.



Symptoms:

Home Treatment:

DO NOT make the person throw up (vomit) unless instructed to do so by Poison Control.



Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

  • The patient's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
  • When it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed



Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

If you are concerned about a camphor overdose, seek medical care immediately. Call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the U.S. 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 any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.

See poison control centers.



What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • Giving activated charcoal.
  • Using gastric lavage (pumping the stomach).
  • Supporting breathing.
  • Controlling seizures.



Expectations (prognosis):

The extent of illness and chance of survival will depend on the amount of exposure and how much time passed before treatment.




Review Date: 2/19/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. 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.

adam.com

Heart Center
Women's Pavilion & Birthplace
Children's Center
Center for Patient Safety
Emergency Services/Trauma
Rehab


To read our disclaimer, click here