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Ibuprofen overdose

Definition

This is poisoning from taking an overdose of pain medicine containing ibuprofen.

Alternative Names

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

Poisonous Ingredient

Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is sold over-the-counter and by prescription.

Where Found

  • Advil
  • Medipren
  • Midol
  • Motrin
  • Nuprin
  • Pamprin IB
  • PediaProfen
  • Rufen
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth

Gastrointestinal

Kidneys

  • Little to no urine production

Lungs

Nervous system

Skin

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national 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 U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: National Poison Control center

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Activated charcoal
  • Laxative

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is very likely with prompt medical treatment.

Review Date: 2007-04-24
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, and Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. 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.
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. © HealthProfessor LLC. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.