Definition

This overdose is poisoning from taking an excessive amount of diclofenac sodium, an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Alternative Names

Voltaren overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Diclofenac

Where Found

Diclofenac sodium is a prescription medication. Brands include:

  • Voltaren
  • Arthrotec
  • Solaraze

NOTE: This list may not be all inclusive

Symptoms

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless you are 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, or a local emergency number

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.

See Poison Control center.

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
  • Medicines to make the person throw up
  • Activated charcoal
  • Laxative
  • Diuretic
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   
Review Date:3/18/2006
Reviewed By: Janeen R. Azare, PhD, MSPH, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.