Methyl salicylate is a wintergreen-scented chemical found in many over-the-counter products, including muscle ache creams. Methyl salicylate overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a product containing this substance.

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.

See also: Sports cream overdose

• Methyl salicylate, a compound similar to aspirin

• Deep-heating creams (Ben Gay, Icy Hot) used to relieve sore muscles and joints
• Oil of wintergreen
• Solutions for vaporizers

Note: This list may not include all products that contain methyl salicylate.

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Kidney failure
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Eye irritation
  • Loss of vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Throat swelling
• Heart and blood
  • Collapse
• Lungs and airways
  • Difficulty breathing
  • No breathing
  • Rapid breathing
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Deafness
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Hallucinations
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Seizures
• Stomach and intestines
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting, possibly bloody