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    Sodium salicylate overdose

    Definition

    Sodium salicylate overdose is poisoning from an overdose of sodium salicylate.

    Alternative Names

    Alka-Seltzer; Pepto-Bismol

    Poisonous Ingredient

    Salicylate

    Where Found

    • Aspirin and other fever and pain medications
    • Antacids like Alka-Seltzer
    • Anti-diarrhea agents like Pepto-Bismol
    • Oil of wintergreen
    • Corn and wart removal liquids

    Symptoms

    • Body as a whole
    • Respiratory
      • Wheezing
      • Respiratory depression
    • Cardiovascular
      • Low blood pressure
    • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
      • Nystagmus
      • Ringing in the ears
    • Gastrointestinal
      • Nausea
      • Vomiting
      • Gastrointestinal bleeding
    • Nervous system

    Home Care

    Contact your Poison Control center for appropriate instructions.

    Before Calling Emergency

    Determine the following information:

    • The patient's age, weight, and condition
    • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
    • The time it was swallowed
    • The amount swallowed

    They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

    What to Expect at the Emergency Room

    Some or all of the following procedures may be performed.

    • Administer activated charcoal.
    • Take a blood sample to determine the salicylate level in the blood.
    • Administer fluids (milk, fruit juices or, in severe cases, intravenous fluids).
    • Give sponge baths to control fever.
    • Give other medications as needed.
    • Treat complications as necessary.

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on the blood level of salicylates found: A potentially toxic dose is seen above 200 - 500 mg/kg (milligrams of salicylate per kilogram body weight). Recovery is likely if the acidic effect of salicylate can be neutralized.


    Review Date: 5/10/2005
    Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
    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.
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