Naproxen sodium overdose
Definition
Naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate aches and pains. Naproxen sodium overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or a local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Poisonous Ingredient
Naproxen
Where Found
Naproxen sodium is sold under a variety of different brand names, including:
- Aleve
- Anaprox
- Anaprox DS
- Naprelan
- Naprosyn
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.
Symptoms
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Gastrointestinal system
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Stomach pain (Possible bleeding in the stomach and intestines)
- Vomiting
- Heart and blood vessels
- Circulatory failure
- Lungs
- Slow, labored breathing
- Wheezing
- Nervous system
- Agitation
- Coma
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache - severe
- Incoherence (not understandable)
- Movement problems
- Unsteadiness
- Skin
- Rash
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 a doctor prescribed the medicine for the person
However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a local position control center. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. 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.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
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. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Tube through the mouth or nose into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Expectations (prognosis)
Recovery is likely.
References
Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.
Review Date: 9/12/2012
Reviewed by: A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (2/2/2011).
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