Baylor Health Care System
 

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.

References

Michael JB. Deadly pediatric poisons: nine common agents that kill at low doses. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2004; 22(4): 1019-50.

Mokhlesi B. Adult toxicology in critical care: Part II: specific poisonings. Chest. 2003; 123(3): 897-922.

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.

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