Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. Cologne poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows cologne.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

• Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
• Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol)

Note: This list may not include all poisonous ingredients in cologne.

• Various colognes

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Too much or too little urine output
• Ears, nose, and throat
  • Throat pain
• Gastrointestinal
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting (may be bloody)
• Heart and blood
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar
  • Rapid heart rate
• Lungs
  • Slowed breathing
• Nervous system
  • Anxiety
  • Change in alert level (unconsciousness)
  • Coma
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Low body temperature
  • Inability to walk in a normal manner
  • Slurred speech
  • Stupor
  • Swaying from side to side
  • Uncoordinated movement

Children are particularly prone to developing low blood sugar, which may include symptoms such as weakness, confusion, irritability, nausea, or sleepiness.