Description
Ibuprofen(Motrin/Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), aspirin, and celecoxib (Celebrex) are some common NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). NSAID overdoses are rarely lethal but can cause serious injury. Significant ingestions can cause vomiting, stomach ulcers, confusion (altered mental status), metabolic abnormalities, and kidney damage. There are over 300,000 calls to US Poison Control Centers per year related to NSAIDs.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, tremors, confusion (altered mental status), vomiting blood or material with the appearance of coffee grounds, black stools (melena), decreased urination, ringing in ears (tinnitus).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify other ingestions and organ damage (such as kidney failure) will be performed.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) level, salicylate level
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to identify other ingestions and organ damage (such as kidney failure) will be performed.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG), Urinalysis (UA)
Other Specific Tests: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) level, salicylate level
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Treatment
There is no specific antidote. Treatment may include: observation, intravenous fluids and monitoring. If significant kidney failure occurs dialysis may be recommended.