Aspirin overdose

Home treatment:

The normal treatment is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions; however, before inducing emesis, contact Poison Control to verify that is the correct treatment.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Induce emesis.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a laxative.
• Take a blood sample to determine the salicylate level in blood and arterial blood gasses.
• Administer fluids (milk, fruit juices or, in severe cases, IV fluids).
• Sponge water baths to control fever.
• Give other medications as needed.
• Treat complications as necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on the blood level of salicylates found. A potentially toxic dose is seen above 150 mg/kg to 300 mg/kg (mg of aspirin/kg body weight). Recovery is likely if the proper treatment is instituted.