Fenoprofen calcium overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from taking a large amount of fenoprofen calcium, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Fenoprofen, a prescription painkiller commonly used to relieve symptoms of arthritis.
Where Found
- Fenoprofen
- Nalfon
- Naprofen
- Progesic
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Possible bleeding in the stomach and intestines
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Nervous system
- Severe headache
- Agitation
- Incoherence (not understandable)
- Confusion
- Coma
- Crowsiness
- Convulsions
- Movement disorder
- Unsteadiness
- Seizures
Heart and blood
- Increased heart rate
Lungs
- Breathing - slow and labored
Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
Skin
Home Care
Seek immediate medical help.
Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so by a doctor or poison control.
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
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.
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
- A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Outlook (Prognosis)
Recovery depends on how much kidney damage is done. The sooner a person gets treatment, the better the chances of a full recovery.
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
