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Sports cream overdose

Sports cream overdose


Definition:

Sports creams are cream- or ointment-based medicines used to treat aches and pains. Sports cream overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally uses more than the normal or recommended amount of this product.

Alternative Names:

Ben-Gay overdose; Menthol and methyl-salicylate overdose; Methyl-salicylate and menthol overdose

Poisonous Ingredient:
  • Menthol
  • Methyl-salicylate

See also: Methyl-salicylate overdose

Where Found:

Methyl-salicylates and menthol are found in many over-the-counter pain-relieving creams.

Symptoms:
  • Airways and lungs
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
    • Eye irritation
    • Loss of vision
    • Ringing in the ears
    • Throat swelling
  • Kidneys
    • Kidney failure
  • Nervous system
    • Dizziness
    • Drowsiness
    • Hallucinations
  • Other (from eating the poison)
  • Skin
    • Rash (usually an allergic reaction)
    • Mild burn (in extremely high doses)
  • Stomach and intestines
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting, possibly with blood

Review Date: 10/29/2007
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. 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.

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