Campho-Phenique overdose

Definition

Campho-Phenique overdose is poisoning swallowing a product that contains camphor and phenol.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Camphor
• Phenol

Where Found

The combination is found in Campho-Phenique. Camphor is found in:

• Camphorated oil
• Vicks VapoRub
• Some moth repellents

• Some antiseptics
• Some caustics (a caustic is a substance which destroys tissue)
• Some disinfectants
• Phenol used as a preservative

Symptoms

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Little or no urine output
• Muscle, bone, and joints
  • Muscle rigidity or muscle spasms
  • Twitching facial muscles
• Lungs
  • Irregular breathing
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Burning in the mouth or throat
• Skin
  • Reddening from topical exposure
  • Bluish colored lips and fingernails
  • Yellow skin
  • Sweating (extreme)
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Excessive thirst
• Heart and blood vessels:
  • Low blood pressure
  • Rapid pulse
  • Collapse
• Nervous system:
  • Dizziness
  • Hallucinations
  • Agitation
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Stupor
  • Hyperactivity

Home Treatment

DO NOT make the person throw up.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• When it was swallowed
• The 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 hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative

Expectations (prognosis)

Survival past 48 hours usually indicates recovery will occur. Onset of seizures is sudden and may occur within minutes of exposure.