Health Library

Sports cream overdose

Ben-Gay overdose; Menthol and methyl salicylate overdose; Methyl salicylate and menthol overdose

Sports creams are creams or ointments used to treat aches and pains. Sports cream overdose can occur if someone uses this product on open skin (such as an open sore or wound), or swallows or gets the product in their eyes. This can be by accident or on purpose.

When used on healthy skin, overdose is not likely. But a person can have an allergic reaction to the cream or ointment.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with has an overdose, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

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Poisonous Ingredient

Two ingredients in sports creams that can be poisonous are:

• Menthol
• Methyl salicylate

Where Found

Methyl salicylate and menthol are found in many over-the-counter pain-relieving creams.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of sports cream overdose or allergic reaction in different parts of the body.

AIRWAYS AND LUNGS

• No breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Shallow breathing
• Buildup of fluid in the lungs

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

• Eye irritation
• Loss of vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Thirst
• Throat swelling

KIDNEYS

• Kidney failure

NERVOUS SYSTEM

• Agitation
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hallucinations
• Hyperactivity

OTHER (FROM EATING THE POISON)

• Collapse (shock)
• Fever
• Sweating

SKIN

• Rash (usually an allergic reaction)
• Mild burn (in extremely high concentrations or repeated doses)

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting, possibly with blood

Home Care

If the cream was swallowed or placed in the eyes, seek medical treatment right away. Flush the eyes with water and remove any cream that remains on the skin. Do NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
• When it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

Poison Control

The local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline 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 United States 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.

You can also get online poison help now at Poisonhelp.org. Just enter the product, poison, or medicine to get expert help.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

If you go to the emergency room, take the medicine container with you, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated.

Tests may include:

• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan (advanced imaging) of the brain for neurologic symptoms
• Electrocardiogram (ECG), or heart tracing)

Treatment may include:

• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Laxatives
• Medicine to treat symptoms
• Skin and eye irritation may be treated with cool water irrigation and antibiotic cream, ointment, or eyedrops
• Breathing support, including oxygen, tube through the mouth into the lungs, and breathing machine (ventilator)
• Dialysis (kidney machine), in severe cases

If the poisoning occurred through skin exposure, the person may receive:

• Washing (irrigation) of the skin, perhaps every few hours for several days
• Antibiotic ointment (after skin irrigation)
• Surgery to remove burned skin (debridement)

If the poisoning occurred through eye exposure, the person may receive:

• Irrigation of the eyes
• Ointment to treat the eyes

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the amount of poison in the body and how quickly the treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery. Recovery is likely if the effects can be reversed.

References

Aronson JK. Salicylates, topical. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:293.

Hatten BW. Aspirin and nonsteroidal agents. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 139.

Meehan TJ. Care of the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 135.

Review Date: 7/1/2025  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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