Pennyroyal oil is a volatile plant oil that is used by women practicing folk medicine.
Use: as an abortifacient or to "regulate" menstruation
Plant sources: Mentha pulegium, Hedeoma pulegioides
Toxic agent: pulegone (cyclohexanone), with a toxic metabolite menthofuran
An overdose may occur as a result of accidental overuse, intentional overdose or accidental ingestion.
Complications:
(1) dizziness
(2) burning in the throat
(3) gastrointestinal distress with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
(4) hepatotoxicity
In severe cases massive hepatic necrosis occurs followed by multiorgan failure with:
(1) renal failure
(2) coagulopathy
(3) grand mal seizures
(4) stupor or coma
(5) shock
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,
