Poisoning from an overdose of methyl salicylate.

Alternative Names

Deep heating rubs; oil of wintergreen

Expectations (prognosis)

The blood level of salicylates determines the outcome. Recovery is likely if the acidic effect of the salicylate can be effectively neutralized. Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) is the most toxic form of the salicylates. Doses of less than 1 teaspoonful have been lethal in small children.