Aspirin Overdose Flashcards
What class of drug is aspirin.
Salicylate.
What is aspirin. (2)
It is a weak acid with poor water solubility.
What dose of aspirin will cause mild toxicity.
150mg/kg.
What level of aspirin is required to be fatal.
700mg/kg.
What are the early features of aspirin poisoning. (8)
Vomiting. Dehydration. Hyperventilation. Vertigo. Sweating. Tinnitus. Deafness.
What are the rarer features of aspirin overdose. (6)
Low GCS. Seizures. Bounding pulse. Low BP and heart block. Pulmonary oedema. Hyperthermia.
What is the acid state of a patient presenting with aspirin overdose. (2)
Initially present with respiratory alkalosis due to a direct stimulation of the central respiratory centres.
(They then develop a metabolic acidosis if serious).
What are the glucose levels of a patient with aspirin overdose.
Hypo or hyperglycaemia.
What is associated with serious aspirin overdose. (8)
Metabolic acidosis. Hyperprothrombinaemia. Hyperglycaemia. Hyperpyrexia. Renal failure. Pulmonary oedema. Shock. Cerebral oedema.
What symptoms of aspirin overdose are common in children. (4)
Agitation.
Confusion.
Coma.
Fits.
What do you give a patient presenting with aspirin poisoning (within 1 hour).
Activated charcoal.