Aspirin Overdose
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Aspirin is an over-the-counter drug that has been used for over 150 years. Many people take aspirin regularly for pain relief, or as part of a daily regimen prescribed by their doctor to reduce the risk of heart attack.[1]
An aspirin overdose can occur when a a large quantity of the drug is consumed at once (acute aspirin overdose), or when aspirin accumulates in the body over a long period of time (chronic aspirin overdose). A chronic overdose can be caused by an illness that changes the way the body metabolizes aspirin, or by a condition that increases the concentration of aspirin in the blood, such as dehydration. The toxic dose for adults is considered to be 150mg of aspirin per kg of body weight.[1]
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| Toxic ingredient(s) | Acetylsalicylic acid[1] |
|---|---|
| Where found | OTC and prescription pain relievers[1] |
| Overdose symptoms | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting[1] |
| Toxic dose | 150mg/kg for adults; lower for children[1] |
| National Poison Control Center | 1-800-222-1222[1] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Aspirin Overdose Symptoms
The symptoms of chronic and acute aspirin overdoses differ. With an acute overdose, the patient may experience symptoms of gastritis, such as an upset stomach, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic aspirin overdose may cause fatigue, a low grade fever, confusion, fainting, rapid heart beat, and rapid breathing.[2]
General symptoms of severe overdose include changes in urine volume, ringing in the ears, weakness, confusion, fast breathing, passing out and seizures.[2]
Overdose of aspirin may occur when patients unknowingly use more than one product that contains the drug. Aspirin is included in a variety of combination drugs, which may not be clearly labelled. Drugs that can contain aspirin include Alka Seltzer, Excedrin, and Percodan.
For proper treatment, victims or caretakers are instructed to find out the patient's age, weight, product(s) used, amount consumed, and time taken before contacting poison control.[1]
Aspirin Overdose Treatment
Treatment for an aspirin overdose may include IV fluids and administration of activated charcoal to soak up aspirin that is still in the stomach. A laxative may also be given to induce bowel movements to remove the aspirin and charcoal from the body. The IV fluids may include medications such as potassium salt and sodium bicarbonate to help the body remove aspirin that has already been digested.
Severe overdoses may require the patient to undergo hemodialysis to remove aspirin from the blood.[1]
Aspirin Overdose Prognosis
The prognosis for a patient experiencing aspirin overdose depends on how much aspirin has been consumed and how quickly treatment has begun. Without treatment, seizures and death may occur.[1] Patients who take aspirin on a daily basis, or those who take high doses of aspirin, may be tested for blood count, liver symptoms and more to check for possible overdose or other side effects.[2]
Drug Side Effects
Aspirin Side Effects
Aspirin can cause side effects even without overdose. Most commonly, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain, nausea, heartburn and upset stomach. Dangerous side effects are rare, and include blood in the stool, allergic reaction, cold skin, and blood in the vomit (which appears like coffee grounds). If any of these symptoms are present, medical attention is required.[3]
Also See: Aspirin Coupons, Aspirin Side Effects, Tylenol Recall, Tylenol Side Effects, Celebrex Side Effects, Tylenol and Pregnancy, Celebrex Coupons, Aleve Coupons
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