Hospital Virtual Tour

Naproxen sodium overdose - All Information

Definition of Naproxen sodium overdose:

Naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate aches and pains. Naproxen sodium overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Naproxen

Where Found:

Naproxen sodium is sold under a variety of different brand names, including:

Aleve
Anaprox
Anaprox DS
Naprelan
Naprosyn

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms:

Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
Gastrointestinal system
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Stomach pain (Possible bleeding in the stomach and intestines)
- Vomiting
Heart and blood vessels
- Circulatory failure
Lungs
- Slow, labored breathing
- Wheezing
Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache - severe
- Incoherence (not understandable)
- Movement problems
- Unsteadiness
Skin
- Rash

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
If a doctor prescribed the medicine for the person

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

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 United States 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room:

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

Activated charcoal
Tube through the mouth or nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis):

Recovery is likely.

Reviewed last on: 2/3/2009
John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Samaritan Regional Health System, Ashland, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)