Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Beeswax

Definition 
Poisoning from an ingestion of beeswax.

Poisonous Ingredient  
Beeswax, other than potentially causing intestinal obstruction in rare cases of extremely large ingestions, is considered relatively non-toxic.

Where Found  

     
  • Beeswax

Symptoms  

     
  • May cause some gastrointestinal obstruction with resulting abdominal pain.

Home Treatment  
Call Poison Control for further guidance.

Before Calling Emergency  
Determine the following information:

     
  • The patient’s age, weight, and condition  
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, 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. Bring a sample of the beeswax with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room  

     
  • Treat the symptoms. Note: The patient may not need to be seen in the emergency room. Expectations (prognosis)   Since beeswax is considered relatively nontoxic, recovery is very likely.

    Johns Hopkins patient information

    Last revised: December 7, 2012
    by Sharon M. Smith, M.D.

    Medical Encyclopedia

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    All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.