PEDIATRICS Vol. 75 No. 5 May 1985, pp. 869-871
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Candy Flavoring as a Source of Salicylate Poisoning

Denise L. Howrie PharmD1, Richard Moriarty MD1, and Robert Breit MD1

1 From the Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh

Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) in the form of candy flavoring was ingested by a 21-month-old male infant who subsequently developed vomiting, lethargy, and hyperpnea. A "swallow" of the solution resulted in a serum salicylate concentration of 8l mg/dL six hours after ingestion. The infant was treated with parenteral fluids and sodium bicarbonate and he recovered rapidly. Hazards associated with salicylate use in this form include lack of parental awareness of the substance's toxic potential, the attractiveness of the candy-like odor, and the availability of the liquid in non-child-resistant packaging containing potentially lethal quantities.

Key Words: salicylate poisoning • methyl salicylate • oil of wintergreen • poisoning prevention packaging

Submitted on March 12, 1984
Accepted on June 22, 1984