Alternative names 
Eugenol oil overdose

Definition
Poisoning from an overdose of eugenol oil (clove oil).

Poisonous Ingredient

 
• eugenol

Where Found

 
• some toothache medications  
• as a food flavoring  
• clove-cigarettes

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

 
• body as a whole       o blood in the urine       o pain upon urinating       o no urine output       o convulsions  
• respiratory       o shallow breathing-may also be rapid       o coughing up blood  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat       o burns in mouth and throat  
• skin       o irritation to exposed areas  
• gastrointestinal       o abdominal pain       o diarrhea       o nausea and/or vomiting  
• heart and blood vessels       o rapid heartbeat  
• nervous system       o unconsciousness       o dizziness

Home Treatment
Call the Poison Control center for guidance. DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING) UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.

Clean any exposed skin with soap and water.

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. 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:

 
• Give milk.  
• Induce emesis (this must be done very carefully so patient will not inhale any of the oil). This is best left to the medical personnel at an emergency room.  
• Activated charcoal.  
• Give other fluids, with the amount being determined by kidney function.  
• Perform an endoscopy if there is evidence of burns to the throat.  
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)
Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If any damage to the kidneys or throat has occurred, it may take several months to heal. Skin irritation is short lived.

Medical Encyclopedia

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.