Health Encyclopedia
Myristical oil
Definition
This is poisoning from myristical oil, a clear liquid that smells like the spice nutmeg.
Alternative Names
Nutmeg oilPoisonous Ingredient
Myristical oil (Myristica fragrans), which comes from the seed of a nutmeg.
Where Found
- Nutmeg
- Mace
- Aromatherapy products
Symptoms
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Eye irritation
- Double vision
- Dry mouth
- Gastrointestinal
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Heart and blood
- Rapid heartbeat
- Convulsions
- Nervous system
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Brief euphoria (exaggerated feeling of well-being)
- Delirium
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Light-headedness
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
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.
Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.
See National Poison Control center.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:
- Fluids by IV
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach ( gastric lavage)
- Activated charcoal
- Medicines to treat symptoms
Outlook (Prognosis)
This material is not very toxic. Recovery is likely.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
