Aspirin overdose

Aspirin Overdose

An aspirin overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of aspirin. Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a common medication used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. Overdose can lead to serious health problems, including gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, and respiratory failure.

Causes

Aspirin overdose can occur as a result of both acute and chronic overuse. Acute overdose refers to the ingestion of a large amount of aspirin at one time, while chronic overdose refers to the gradual accumulation of aspirin in the body due to prolonged use at higher than recommended doses.

Symptoms

Symptoms of aspirin overdose can vary depending on the amount of aspirin ingested and the individual's overall health status. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hyperventilation, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

Treatment

Treatment for aspirin overdose typically involves supportive care and measures to remove the aspirin from the body. This can include activated charcoal to absorb the aspirin in the stomach, gastric lavage (stomach pumping), and intravenous fluids to help prevent dehydration and kidney damage. In severe cases, hemodialysis may be used to remove aspirin from the bloodstream.

Prevention

Prevention of aspirin overdose involves proper use of the medication, including following the recommended dosage and not using aspirin with other products that contain aspirin unless directed by a healthcare provider. It is also important to keep aspirin out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

See Also

• Salicylate poisoning
• Drug overdose
• Acetylsalicylic acid