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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.

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

References

Ford MD. Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001.

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