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Petroleum jelly overdose - Overview

Alternative Names

Vaseline overdose

Definition of Petroleum jelly overdose:

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.

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.

Reviewed last on: 2/3/2009
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/18/2007).

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