Initial treatment of an overdose involves resuscitation measures such as maintaining an adequate airway and adequate circulation followed by gastric decontamination by administering activated charcoal, which adsorbs the salicylate in the gastrointestinal tract. Stomach pumping is no longer routinely used in the treatment of poisonings, but is sometimes considered if the patient has ingested a potentially lethal amount less than one hour before presentation. Inducing vomiting with syrup of ipecac is not recommended. Repeated doses of activated charcoal have been proposed to be beneficial in cases of salicylate poisoning, especially in ingestion of enteric coated and extended release salicylic acid formulations which are able to remain in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for longer periods of time. Repeated doses of activated charcoal are also useful to re-adsorb salicylates in the GI tract that may have desorbed from the previous administration of activated charcoal. The initial dose of activated charcoal is most useful if given within 2 hours of initial ingestion. Contraindications to the use of activated charcoal include altered mental status (due to the risk of aspiration), GI bleeding (often due to salicylates) or poor gastric motility. Whole bowel irrigation using the laxative polyethylene glycol can be useful to induce the gastrointestinal elimination of salicylates, particularly if there is partial or diminished response to activated charcoal.Alkalinization of the urine and plasma, by giving a bolus of sodium bicarbonate then adding sodium bicarbonate to maintenance fluids, is an effective method to increase the clearance of salicylates from the body.
Salicylate poisoning, also known as aspirin poisoning, is the acute or chronic poisoning with a salicylate such as aspirin. The classic symptoms are ringing in the ears, nausea, abdominal pain, and a fast breathing rate. Early on, these may be subtle, while larger doses may result in fever. Complications can include swelling of the brain or lungs, seizures, low blood sugar, or cardiac arrest.While usually due to aspirin, other possible causes include oil of wintergreen and bismuth subsalicylate. Excess doses can be either on purpose or accidental. Small amounts of oil of wintergreen can be toxic. Diagnosis is generally based on repeated blood tests measuring aspirin levels and blood gases. While a type of graph has been created to try to assist with diagnosis, its general use is not recommended. In overdose maximum blood levels may not occur for more than 12 hours.Efforts to prevent poisoning include child-resistant packaging and a lower number of pills per package. Treatment may include activated charcoal, intravenous sodium bicarbonate with dextrose and potassium chloride, and dialysis. Giving dextrose may be useful even if the blood sugar is normal. Dialysis is recommended in those with kidney failure, decreased level of consciousness, blood pH less than 7.2, or high blood salicylate levels. If a person requires intubation, a fast respiratory rate may be required.The toxic effects of salicylates have been described since at least 1877. In 2004, more than 20,000 cases with 43 deaths were reported in the United States.