MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vicks Vaporub overdose

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Vicks Vaporub overdose

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names

Camphor overdose

Definition Return to top

Poisoning due to an overdose of camphor.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

Camphor

Where Found Return to top

Camphorated oil
Vicks Vaporub
Some moth repellents
Topical pain relievers

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms Return to top

Twitching facial muscles
Muscle spasms
Excessive thirst
Convulsions
Rigid muscles
Slow breathing
Burning of the mouth or the throat
Skin irritation
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid pulse
Restlessness or agitation
Unusual behavior
Unconsciousness

Home Treatment Return to top

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING unless instructed to do so by Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

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 Return to top

If you are concerned about a camphor overdose, seek medical care immediately. See poison control centers for the national telephone number. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room Return to top

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) Return to top

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

Update Date: 5/12/2003

Updated by: Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. 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.