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Warning-sign checks

Eucalyptus oil overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if the person has:

    • Trouble breathing, choking, or blue or grey lips
    • A seizure, collapse, or loss of consciousness
    • Severe confusion or difficulty being awakened
    • Repeated vomiting with coughing or breathing problems
    • Swallowed the oil intentionally

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison centre immediately after any suspected swallowing of eucalyptus oil.

    This applies even when there are no symptoms or the amount seems small.

    A poison specialist can judge the risk using the product, concentration, age, symptoms, and time since exposure.

    Breathing difficulty, marked drowsiness, or worsening symptoms require urgent help rather than routine follow-up.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical review if redness, pain, coughing, or other irritation does not settle.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Do not let a drowsy or confused person drive.

Bring the product container to the hospital if it can be collected safely.

For skin or eye exposure, obtain poison-centre advice and rinse the affected area.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Eucalyptus oil overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.