Sassafras oil overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from swallowing sassafras oil.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Safrole, a clear or slightly yellow and oily liquid

Where Found

• Sassafras oil

Symptoms

• Lungs
  • Shallow breathing  
  • Rapid breathing
• Skin
  • Burns  
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
• Nervous system
  • Unconsciousness
  • Dizziness
  • Hallucinations

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• 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:

• Fluids
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Activated charcoal
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
• Methods to make the person throw up (emesis) -- NOTE: This is best left to the medical personnel at an emergency room

Expectations (prognosis)

Sassafras oil is considered very toxic. Survival past 48 hours is usually a good sign that recovery will occur. If damage to the kidneys has occurred, it may take several months to heal.