Even a slight overdose of certain drugs can pose a particular danger to the human body, as well as contribute to the occurrence of irreversible processes, including death. The most difficult drugs to use in excess doses are: nootropics, antidepressants, sleeping pills, painkillers and drugs that affect the coronary system. Also, in case of an overdose, NSAIDs are dangerous. One of these medicines is Nurofen. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug, first aid and possible consequences are described below.
General product information
"Nurofen" is a drug that has pronounced anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties. The active ingredient in this drug is ibuprofen. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and is actively usednot only in the treatment of adult patients, but also in pediatric practice.
An overdose of Nurofen can occur when intentionally or accidentally exceeding the recommended doses of the drug.
Pharmacological action of the drug
"Nurofen" is able to provide a rapid targeted analgesic effect, as well as fight fever and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
The active substance of the drug in question, ibuprofen, is a derivative of propionic acid. Its principle of action is associated with inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins - mediators of inflammation, pain and hyperthermic reaction. The drug indiscriminately blocks COX-2 and COX-1, and also reversibly reduces the rate of platelet aggregation.
Anesthetic effect after taking "Nurofen" lasts up to 8 hours.
Possible causes of overdose
Overdose of "Nurofen" is an infrequent phenomenon. As a rule, the reasons for such situations are:
- Incorrectly calculated dosage of the drug (relative to the weight of the child). Often all this happens when the exact weight of the baby is not known, and parents estimate it by eye. Therefore, before prescribing any drug, children must be weighed.
- Medicine was left within reach of the child, and he was able to get it and overuse it.
- Self-treatment. If the parents decide not to see a doctor, then the drug in question should be given in a dosagewhich is indicated in the instructions. Moreover, it is necessary to rely not on the age of the patient, but on his weight. In this case, the dosage will be as accurate and safe as possible.
Side effects of this drug
Very often the symptoms of an overdose of "Nurofen" are confused with the side effects of this drug. Therefore, before using the mentioned medicine, you should definitely study the attached instructions.
"Nurofen" is a drug that is prescribed not only for adults, but also for children of different age groups. Such a remedy may cause the following adverse reactions:
- GI bleeding, flatulence, migraine, bloating, severe weight loss, GI upset;
- insomnia, malfunctioning of the pancreas, depressive states, impaired liver function with manifestations of jaundice;
- persistent hallucinations, inflammation of the oral mucosa, impaired functioning of the nervous system, anemia, blood pressure instability, severe allergic reactions, angioedema.
How much drug is needed for an overdose?
The maximum dose of the agent under consideration for adult patients is 1.6–2.4 g (per day). For children, this value should not exceed 30 mg per 1 kg of the child's weight. An overdose of "Nurofen" develops if a person has taken the said medication in an amount significantly exceeding the indicated daily dose.
In children, the dose of the drug up to 100 mg / kg of body weight does not contribute to the development of serious consequences. Butdosages above 400mg/kg are sure to cause severe symptoms.
The number of NSAIDs that can lead to an overdose in adult patients is determined on an individual basis and depends on the characteristics of the body.
Overdose symptoms
Symptoms of an overdose of "Nurofen" in a child and an adult are no different. The main signs of this condition are:
- abdominal pain, double vision, nausea, drowsiness;
- vomiting, masticatory muscle spasm, lethargy, heart rhythm disturbances;
- transient hearing loss, headache, tinnitus, depression, low blood pressure, bradycardia, tachycardia.
With a severe overdose of Nurofen, the symptoms in a child and an adult may be as follows:
- metabolic acidosis;
- atrial fibrillation;
- acute kidney failure;
- breathing stops;
- coma.
First aid
An overdose of Nurofen (tablets or syrup) requires mandatory medical intervention. If no more than one hour has passed since taking an increased dose of the drug, then urgent assistance should be provided with gastric lavage. For this purpose, the victim needs to drink a large amount of ordinary water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Next, you need to provoke vomiting (by irritating the root of the tongue). A similar procedure is carried out until the released water ceases to containparticles of previously eaten food.
It should be remembered that babies 3-4 years old are not allowed to wash their stomach in this way! In case of an overdose of children's Nurofen, you should immediately call an ambulance. Gastric lavage for babies is carried out only with the help of a probe in stationary conditions.
The next step in first aid is the use of an enterosorbent. Such drugs as activated charcoal, Atoxil, Polysorb, Smecta, etc. can serve as it. Such medicines are necessary to bind ibuprofen, which has managed to penetrate into the small intestine. They prevent its further absorption into the bloodstream, and also prevent the development of intoxication.
In case of an overdose of “Nurofen (syrup or tablets), it is extremely important to provide the victim with plenty of fluids. Drinking large amounts of water will reduce the concentration of the drug in the blood and speed up its elimination from the body.
When do you need specialist help?
In all cases of overdose of NSAIDs, medical attention should be sought, especially if the intake of an increased amount of medication was carried out by a child, an elderly person or a pregnant woman.
To speed up the process of removing the drug from the human body, forced diuresis is performed, which involves plasma alkalization. To do this, intravenous infusion of electrolytes, solutions of glucose and sodium bicarbonate is carried out. The patient may also be prescribed oral diuretics.funds.
The use of other methods of extracorporeal detoxification is not provided due to their low efficiency.
Possible consequences
A mild overdose of Nurofen usually does not cause negative consequences. However, the prognosis when taking large doses of the mentioned drug is much more serious. In such cases, acute renal failure (and then chronic) and even death can become a complication.
The consequences of an overdose of NSAIDs can be extremely severe if a person has taken an excessively large dose of Nurofen. Such acute poisoning necessarily affects all important human systems and organs. In this case, the following diseases can develop:
- chronic pancreatitis;
- jaundice;
- disruption of the genitourinary system;
- persistent allergic reactions;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- chronic bronchitis.
Medication Precautions
What do patients need to be aware of in order to prevent possible overdose of painkillers and antipyretics like Nurofen? Experts say that in order to avoid intoxication of the body with anti-inflammatory drugs, you must follow a few simple rules:
- Do not use expired medicines, as they develop a chemical reaction that promotes the appearance of toxic substances.
- Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your doctormedication. All medicines for the treatment of certain diseases should be calculated strictly based on the severity of the disease and the patient's body weight.
- It is forbidden to use drugs whose packaging has been broken. When interacting with oxygen, some products may decompose, releasing toxic substances.
- Medication should be kept out of the reach of small children.
- Do not leave Nurofen in an easily accessible place until the next appointment.
- You can not show children how to open a container of medicinal syrup.
"Nurofen" is an excellent drug for first aid to a child and an adult with severe pain of various kinds, as well as elevated body temperature. However, you should always remember that excessive and uncontrolled intake of any medication can lead to sad consequences.
