Petroleum jelly overdose

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Petroleum jelly overdose

Definition:

This is poisoning from excessive ingestion of petroleum jelly.

Alternative Names:

Vaseline

Poisonous Ingredient:

petroleum jelly (petrolatum)

Where Found:

Vaseline
some skin care products
some eye lubricant ointments

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

mild laxative action (diarrhea)

Home Treatment:

Discontinue use. If consumed in large doses, call Poison Control.

This is a petroleum-based product which can cause severe problems if inhaled during vomiting. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY Poison Control.

If patient experiences prolonged diarrhea, consult personal physician.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength 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:

Observe the patient.
Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Petroleum jelly is considered nontoxic. Recovery is likely.

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