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Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Ibuprofen overdose

Definition:

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



Alternative Names: Advil overdose; Motrin overdose; Nuprin overdose; Pedia-Profen overdose; Rufen overdose�

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

Where Found:
  • Motrin
  • Rufen
  • Advil
  • PediaProfen
  • Nuprin
  • Midol
  • Medipren
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Lungs

Bladder and kidneys

  • Little to no urine production

Whole Body



Home Treatment:

Seek immediate medical help.

If ibuprofen overdose happened less than�1 hour (60 minutes) ago, try to make the person throw up.

DO NOT do this is the overdose happened more than�1 hour ago.



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: 3/18/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer 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 physician 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. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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