Aspirin Overdose

Question 1

Define aspirin overdose

Answer 1

Excessive ingestion of aspirin causing toxicity

Question 2

What are the symptoms of aspirin overdose?

Answer 2

• N&V
• Haematemesis *
• Epigastric pain
• Fever
• Sweating
• Tinnitus *
• Malaise
• Dizziness
• Confusion/delirium
• Seizure
• Coma

Question 3

What are the signs of aspirin overdose?

Answer 3

• Hyperpyrexia *
• Tachypnoea – Kussmaul’s *
breathing
• Asterixis
• Stupor

Question 4

What investigations are carried out for aspirin overdose?

Answer 4

• Bloods
- Salicylate levels 
- FBC 
- U&Es - check for hypokalaemia 
- LFTs - high AST/ALT
- Clotting screen - high PT 
- Other drug levels (e.g. paracetamol)
- ABG - may show mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis 
• ECG
- Signs of hypokalaemia - flattened/inverted T waves, U waves, prolonged PR interval, ST depression