Natural products such as peppermint oil have many components. Menthol is the most abundant compound found in peppermint oil. Menthol can cause superficial irritation in small amounts and severe systemic symptoms in large amounts.
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Vaporizers can add moisture and medication to the air. This can help people who have colds, flu, or allergies. However, medicated vaporizer liquids are poisonous to swallow.
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A broken mercury-containing thermometer can be toxic if the vapors are inhaled. The risk of poisoning from touching or swallowing mercury from a broken thermometer is low if appropriate clean-up measures are taken.
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Teflon flu is a condition caused by inhaling fumes from burning polymer products, usually nonstick cookware. While the symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting, they can be more serious in people with underlying lung problems and can be fatal to pet birds. Teflon flu can be easily prevented by using a few simple, safe cooking techniques.
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Acetaminophen is a very safe medicine when used in recommended doses to treat pain and fever. But too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage and even death. This has happened when parents didn't understand the concentration or measurements. New formulations of acetaminophen for children make it easier to give the correct dose.
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Propylhexedrine (Benzedrex) inhalers can be bought without a prescription for use as a nasal decongestant but can be abused to stay alert or to get high. They should not be used for these purposes.
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Phenylephrine is a decongestant available in many over-the-counter cold products. A US Food and Drug (FDA) Advisory Panel reviewed recent studies and found that oral phenylephrine is no more effective than placebo for the treatment of nasal congestion. Based on these findings and additional review, the FDA has proposed that products containing oral phenylephrine be removed from the market.
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Cough syrup is a medicine easily purchased without a prescription in drug stores. Liquid cough medicine usually contains multiple ingredients such as dextromethorphan, guaifenesin, menthol, and honey to alleviate cough and cold symptoms. Using recommended age-specific dosing guidelines is critical for safe use of this medicine.
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Vicks VapoRub has been used for many years as a cough and cold remedy. While this product is relatively safe to use when applied to the skin as directed on the package label, it should not be consumed or applied to the insides of the eyes, ears, or nose. To reduce the risk of burns and serious tissue damage, Vicks VapoRub should never be heated in a microwave.
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Viral videos on social media promote a trend called “NyQuil™ chicken” that involves cooking chicken in cough and cold medication. This is dangerous and may result in poisoning, both from the ingredients in NyQuil™ and the undercooked chicken.
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