Aspirin overdose Health Article

Definition

An overdose of aspirin means you have too much aspirin in your body.

This can happen in two ways:

If a person accidentally or intentionally takes a very large dose of aspirin at one time, it's called an acute overdose.

If a normal daily dose of aspirin builds up in the body over time and causes symptoms, it's called a chronic overdose. This may happen if your kidneys do not work correctly or when you are dehydrated. Chronic overdoses are usually seen in older patients during hot weather.

Alternative Names

Acetylsalicylic acid overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Acetylsalicylic acid

Where Found

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) can be found in many prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, including:

• Alka Seltzer
• Anacin
• Bayer
• Bufferin
• Ecotrin
• Excedrin
• Fiorinal
• Percodan
• St. Joseph's

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute overdose may include:

• Upset stomach and stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting -- may cause an ulcer or irritation of the stomach known as gastritis

Symptoms of chronic overdose may include:

• Fatigue
• Slight fever
• Confusion
• Collapse
• Rapid heart beat
• Uncontrollable rapid breathing

Large overdoses may also cause:

• Ringing in the ears
• Tempoary deafness
• Hyperactivity
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Hyperactivity
• Seizures
• Coma

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the emergency room.