Aspirin (Salicylates) Overdose
Description
Aspirin overdose can occur accidentally or intentionally. There is also an acute form and a chronic form. Overdose can result in rapid breathing, confusion, vomiting, ringing in the ears and death. Chronic overdoses are more common in the elderly.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, slight fever, confusion, fainting, increased heart beat, uncontrollable rapid breathing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), temporary deafness, hyperactivity, dizziness, drowsiness, hyperactivity, seizures, coma.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. An aspirin level is drawn but can be at a normal level in an chronic overdose. A blood test will be done to measure the acid content of the body and diagnose any possible kidney damage.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- UA
- EKG
- Troponin
- BHCG
- X-Ray
Treatment
Treatment consists of intravenous fluids, oral charcoal to bind residual aspirin in the gastrointestinal tract, and intravenous sodium bicarbonate. In severe cases dialysis is needed. For more information and help call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
Related Videos
Research
News
An emerging study has found that low dose aspirin t...
Johnson & Johnson is issuing yet another Tylenol re...
A Connecticut man is facing a felony drug charge af...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Aspirin (salicylates) overdose?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.