Accidental methyl salicylate poisoning in two adults.

Methyl salicylate (MS) is widely available as a component in many over-the-counter brands of ointments, lotions, liniments and medicated oils intended for topical application [1]. Among the most potent forms of methyl salicylate is oil of wintergreen (98% MS). Salicylate ointment has a very high concentration of MS. One teaspoon contains 7000 mg MS, equivalent to 90 baby aspirin tablets.We report two adults presenting with accidental MS poisoning. They were admitted with a bottle containing 98% MS, which they drank assuming it was ethanol.