Respiratory stimulants aspirin

Respiratory stimulation is a characteristic of aspirin intoxication and occurs both directly by stimulation of the respiratory centre and indirectly through increased CO production (see below). 

Dennis Veere has ingested an unknown number of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) tablets. Acetylsalicylic acid is rapidly converted to salicylic acid in the body. The initial effect of aspirin is to produce a respiratory alkalosis caused by a stimulation of the "metabolic" central respiratory control center in the hypothalamus. This increases the rate of breathing and the expiration of COj. This is followed by a complex metabolic acidosis caused partly by the dissociation of salicylic acid (salicylic acid <-> salicylate -I- H, pKa = -3.5). 

Aspirin is encountered frequently in the laboratory in overdose cases. It directly stimulates the respiratory centre in the brain causing hyperventilation and a resultant respiratory alkalosis. Later, a metabolic acidosis is superimposed on this and the acid-base picture becomes more complex. Potassium levels should therefore be monitored closely. Removal ofthedrugfrom the circulation is encouraged by forced alkaline diuresis. 

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