Definition

Sodium salicylate overdose is poisoning from an overdose of sodium salicylate.

Alternative Names

Alka-Seltzer; Pepto-Bismol

Poisonous Ingredient

Salicylate

Where Found

  • Aspirin and other fever and pain medications
  • Antacids like Alka-Seltzer
  • Anti-diarrhea agents like Pepto-Bismol
  • Oil of wintergreen
  • Corn and wart removal liquids

Symptoms

  • Body as a whole
  • Respiratory
    • Wheezing
    • Respiratory depression
  • Cardiovascular
    • Low blood pressure
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
    • Nystagmus
    • Ringing in the ears
  • Gastrointestinal
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Nervous system

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • The patient's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed.

  • Administer activated charcoal.
  • Take a blood sample to determine the salicylate level in the blood.
  • Administer fluids (milk, fruit juices or, in severe cases, intravenous fluids).
  • Give sponge baths to control fever.
  • Give other medications as needed.
  • Treat complications as necessary.

Expectations (prognosis)

The prognosis (probable outcome) depends on the blood level of salicylates found: A potentially toxic dose is seen above 200 - 500 mg/kg (milligrams of salicylate per kilogram body weight). Recovery is likely if the acidic effect of salicylate can be neutralized.

Review Date:5/10/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.