Aspirin Poisoning

General Information on Aspirin Poisoning

Aspirin poisoning is caused by the over ingestion of aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, and other forms of salicylate. In order to get aspirin poisoning, one would have to consume a rather large amount of aspirin. So large that aspirin poisoning is rarely accidental. Aspirin poisoning can also develop by taking smaller amounts of aspirin over an extended period of time. The most toxic form of salicylate is methyl salicylate; which is used in things such as vaporizers.

Symptoms of Aspirin Poisoning

Some of the symptoms of aspirin poisoning may be:

Rapid breathing
Vomiting
Ringing in the ears
Fever
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Double vision
Breathlessness
Light headedness
Lethargy
Convulsions
Coma
Hallucinations

Treatments For Aspirin Poisoning

The treatment for aspirin poisoning is to first reduce the absorption of the aspirin. It is imperative to immediately stop taking any medications, such as aspirin, that contains salicylate. Activated charcoal also helps to reduce aspirin absorption. Fluids, such as sodium bicarbonate and potassium, may be given intravenously to remove the aspirin from the blood. Should no treatments work or should the case of aspirin poisoning be severe, hemodialysis to remove the aspirin from the blood may be given.

Personal Experience

Aspirin Poisoning - personal experiences