Petroleum jelly overdose

Table of Contents

Definition

Petroleum jelly is a semisolid mixture of fat-based substances made from petroleum. This article discusses what happens when someone swallows a lot of petroleum jelly.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

See also: Overdose


Alternative Names

Vaseline overdose


Poisonous Ingredient
  • Petroleum jelly (petrolatum)

Where Found
  • Some skin care products (including Vaseline)
  • Some eye lubricant ointments

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.



Review Date: 09/30/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)