Tag: Accidental poisoning

In 2023, U.S. poison centers managed 771 cases of exposure to tetrahydrozoline eye drops, with about 40% involving children aged five or younger [1.2.2]. So, **can getting eye drops in your mouth make you sick?** Yes, depending on the type and amount, it can be very dangerous.

According to the Poison Control Center, about half of all accidental poisoning calls involve children under six who mistake medicine for candy. This highlights the grave danger posed by pills that look like M&Ms, with culprits ranging from common over-the-counter tablets to highly lethal street drugs.

By 2001, recommendations for syrup of ipecac use had plummeted from 15% in 1985 to just 0.7% of telephone consultations with poison control centers. The dramatic shift is rooted in evidence demonstrating its ineffectiveness, significant risks, and the availability of better alternatives, clearly answering the question: Why is ipecac no longer used?.

According to case reports, camphor, a key ingredient in Tiger Balm, can be toxic in high concentrations, and even small quantities can be lethal to children. Given this grave risk, anyone asking, "Can you ingest Tiger Balm?" needs to understand the serious and potentially fatal consequences.