Melaleuca oil poisoning.
A 23-month-old boy became confused and was unable to walk thirty minutes after ingesting less than 10 mL of T36-C7, a commercial product containing 100% melaleuca oil. The child was referred to a nearby hospital. His condition improved and he was asymptomatic within 5 hours of ingestion. He was discharged to home the following day. Melaleuca oil, extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia, contains 50-60% terpenes and related alcohols. Clinical experience with products containing melaleuca oil is limited. This case report suggests that ingestion of a modest amount of a concentrated form of this oil may produce signs of toxicity.
Jacobs
M R
MR
Hennepin Regional Poison Center, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Hornfeldt
C S
CS
D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000506:poisoning*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000506:poisoning*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy; D020947:Tea Tree Oil
D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; D002606:Charcoal; D020947:Tea Tree Oil