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Aspirin overdose - Overview

Alternative Names

Acetylsalicylic acid overdose

Definition of Aspirin overdose:

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.

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:

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.

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.

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.

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