Sassafras oil overdose Health Article

Definition

Sassafras oil is an oil taken from the root-bark of the sassafras tree. Sassafras oil overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this substance.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Safrole, a clear or slightly yellow and oily liquid

Where Found

• Sassafras oil

Note: The U.S. and Canada have banned sassafras oil (other than trace amounts of saffrole) from foods and medications since 1960.

Symptoms

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

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Fluids
• A tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)