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
Review Date: 2/28/2007
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Poisons
