Clove oil results in toxicity in children in very small doses. What is the toxin and what is the proposed antidote?
Less than 5 mL of clove oil can result in toxicity in pediatric patients. The mechanism of toxicity is incompletely understood but animal models suggest that eugenol is metabolized by CYP P450 to a quinone intermediate that causes hepatotoxicity similar to acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity. N-acetylcysteine has demonstrated, in an animal model, to complete prevent the hepatotoxicity of eugenol.
Eisen JS et al. N-Acetyclysteine for the Treatment of Clove Oil-Induced Fulminant Hepatic Failure. Clin Tox 2004; 42(1): 89-92.
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