
Observations: to indicate patient stability and guide physiological support (e.g.Relevant bedside investigations include: 2 Typical clinical findings in moderate/severe toxicity include: Clinical examinationĬlinical findings are dependent on the severity of toxicity. The management of different toxidromes varies. It is important to determine the exact preparations, ingredients and doses of each medication consumed. Patients may even be unaware that they have consumed potentially toxic quantities of several substances.


This causes heat production and pyrexia and increased lactic acid production, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Metabolisation of salicylates then causes uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in anaerobic metabolism. In moderate/severe toxicity, salicylates stimulate the cerebral medulla, leading to hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis. In higher doses, the pharmacodynamics of salicylate poisoning leads to a mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis. They can also cause ototoxicity through a multifactorial process, involving reduced cochlear blood flow secondary to vasoconstriction and changes to cochlear cells. In mild toxicity, salicylates directly irritate the gastric lining. Many non-prescription aspirin-containing products are available, and many cold and flu remedies also contain aspirin, increasing the risk of patients unknowingly exceeding the safe dose. Incorrect dosing in children and the elderly may also result in overdose. With the widespread use of salicylates, accidental ingestion of more than the recommended dose is common. Exploring the intention of an overdose is a key part of assessing a patient’s psychological state and associated risk. Selected antacids and antidiarrhoeal medicationsĪn intentional overdose can be a means of causing self-harm or a suicide attempt.Oil of wintergreen: a mint smelling fragrance used in many products, and low concentrations are found in chewing gum and mints.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: both oral and topical preparations.


You might also be interested in our medical flashcard collection which contains over 1000 flashcards that cover key medical topics.Įven though aspirin is the most commonly used salicylate, other common household preparations that contain salicylates include: 2
