Ibuprofen overdose
Definition
This is poisoning from taking an overdose of pain medicine containing ibuprofen.
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
- Advil
- Medipren
- Midol
- Motrin
- Nuprin
- Pamprin IB
- PediaProfen
- Rufen
Symptoms
Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Stomach pain (possible bleeding in stomach and intestines)
- Vomiting
Kidneys
- Little to no urine production
Lungs
- Breathing - difficult
- Breathing - slow
- Wheezing
Nervous system
- Headache
- Agitation
- Incoherence (not understandable)
- Confusion
- Coma
- Drowsiness
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness
Skin
- Rash
- Sweating
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
Outlook (Prognosis)
Recovery is very likely with prompt medical treatment.
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.
