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Ibuprofen overdose

Advil overdose; Nuprin overdose; PediaProfen overdose; Rufen overdose; Motrin overdose

 

Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen 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 overdose . DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

 

Ibuprofen is sold over-the-counter and by prescription.

 

Where Found

 

Ibuprofen is found in:

  • Advil
  • Medipren
  • Midol
  • Motrin
  • Nuprin
  • Pamprin IB
  • PediaProfen
  • Rufen

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may develop in the following areas:

Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth

  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred vision

Gastrointestinal

  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain (possible bleeding in stomach and intestines)
  • Vomiting, sometimes bloody

Kidneys

  • Little to no urine production

Lungs

  • Breathing - difficult
  • Breathing - slow
  • Wheezing

Nervous system

  • Headache
  • Agitation
  • Incoherence (not understandable)
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Drowsiness
  • Seizures
  • Dizziness
  • Unsteadiness

Skin

  • Rash
  • Sweating

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed
  • If the medicine was prescribed for the person

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

 

Poison Control

 

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This 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. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

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

  • Activated charcoal
  • Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine to identify and treat internal bleeding (endoscopy)
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV)
  • Laxative
  • Medicines to treat symptoms

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Recovery is likely with prompt medical treatment. Some people may have chronic liver or kidney injury.

 

 

References

Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies . 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2011.

Seger DL, Murray L. Aspirin and nonsteroidal agents. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 149.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Ibuprofen overdose

               

                 

                Review Date: 1/23/2015

                Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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