Aspirin overdose

Salicylate or aspirin overdose is characterized by tinnitus, confusion, rapid pulse rate, and increased respiration. The decreased partial pressure of arterial C02 (Pco2) plus increased fixed acids first cause alkalosis, which is followed by metabolic acidosis, dehydration, and loss of fixed bases. The picture may resemble diabetic acidosis, but the history of salicylate ingestion and blood salicylate levels above. 540 mg/100 mL clinch the diagnosis. 

Danel V, Henry JA, Glucksman E. Activated charcoal, emesis, and gastric lavage in aspirin overdose. Br Med J 1988 296 1507. 

The major consequence of aspirin overdose, which often occurs in children, results from actions on respira-... 

As with paracetamol, overdoses of aspirin are unfortunately taken by people as a means of suicide, although the amount that has to be taken for a fatal dose is greater than for paracetamol. There are probably several hundred deaths per year from aspirin overdose worldwide, and in a recent year 10,000 calls to Poison Control Centers relating to aspirin overdose were reported in the USA. 

Aspirin overdoses can cause vasomotor collapse and renal failure. The management of such toxic j overdose cases is considered, as are the doses required to elicit such dangerous effects in adults and children. 

Salicylates are widely used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. They are found in a variety of prescription and over-the-counter analgesics, cold preparations, and topical keratolytic products (methyl salicylate), and even Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate). Eiefore the introduction of child-resistant containers, aspirin overdose was one of the leading causes of accidental death in children. Two distinct syndromes of intoxication may occur, depending on whether the exposure is acute or chronic. 

The shift decreases the concentration of bicarbonate ions and increases the concentration of carbonic acid. As a result, the HC03 /H2C03 ratio decreases, as does the blood pH. Metabolic acidosis is often a serious problem in nncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and it also occnrs temporarily after heavy exercise. Other causes include severe diarrhea and aspirin overdose. 

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