Melaleuca oil poisoning

J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994;32(4):461-4. doi: 10.3109/15563659409011050.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Central Nervous System / drug effects*
  • Charcoal / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Oils, Volatile / poisoning*
  • Plant Oils / poisoning*
  • Poisoning / therapy
  • Tea Tree Oil

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Oils
  • Charcoal
  • Tea Tree Oil