The first symptoms of an overdose of acetylsalicylic acid are: nausea, vomiting, tinnitus and rapid breathing.
Symptoms such as hearing loss, visual impairment, headaches, motor agitation, drowsiness, convulsions, hyperthermia can also be observed. In severe intoxication, an acid-base and water-electrolyte balance can be disturbed (metabolic acidosis and dehydration).
Symptoms of mild to moderate intoxication develop after the use of acetylsalicylic acid in a dose of 150-300 mg / kg. Symptoms of severe overdose develop at a dose of 300-500 mg / kg. The potentially fatal dose of ASA is more than 500 mg / kg.
Treatment: there is no specific antidote.
In case of an overdose of acetylsalicylic acid it is necessary:
-to induce vomiting and rinse the stomach (in order to reduce absorption of the drug). Such actions give an effect within 3-4 hours after taking the drug, and in the case of taking a very large dose - up to 10 hours;
- To reduce the absorption of ASA, it is necessary to take Activated carbon in the form of an aqueous suspension (dose for adults - 50-100 g, for children - 30-60 g);
- it is necessary to closely monitor the violation of the water-electrolyte balance and replenish it;
-to accelerate the excretion of ASA through the kidneys and in the treatment of acidosis it is necessary to inject sodium bicarbonate intravenously. It is necessary to keep the pH between 7.0 and 7.5; -with very severe intoxication, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is necessary;
- In connection with the possibility of developing respiratory acidosis, it is forbidden to take drugs that depress the central nervous system, for example, barbiturates;
Patients with respiratory failure should ensure airway patency and oxygen access. If necessary, perform intratracheal intubation and provide artificial ventilation.