Even a slight overdose of certain drugs can pose a special danger to the human body, as well as contribute to the occurrence of irreversible processes, including death. The most difficult medications for use in excess doses are: nootropics, antidepressants, hypnotics, painkillers and drugs that affect the coronary system. Also, with an overdose, NSAIDs are dangerous. One such medicine is Nurofen. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug, first aid and possible consequences are described below.
General drug information
"Nurofen" is a drug that has pronounced anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties. The active component of this tool is ibuprofen. It belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and is actively used not only in the treatment of adult patients, but also in pediatric practice.
An overdose of Nurofen can occur if you intentionally or accidentally exceed the recommended doses of the drug.
Pharmacological action of the drug
"Nurofen" is able to provide a quick directed analgesic effect, as well as fight heat 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 the inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins - mediators of inflammation, pain and a hyperthermic reaction. The drug in an indiscriminate way blocks COX-2 and COX-1, and also reversibly reduces the rate of platelet aggregation.
The analgesic effect after taking "Nurofen" lasts up to 8 hours.
Possible causes of overdose
An overdose of Nurofen is an infrequent phenomenon. As a rule, the causes of 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 the parents estimate it by eye. Therefore, before prescribing any drug, children should be weighed.
- The medicine was left in a place accessible to the child, and he was able to get it and use it in excessive quantities.
- Self-medication. If parents decided not to consult a doctor, then the drug in question should be given in the dosage specified 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 from the use 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 medication, 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 drug can cause the following adverse reactions:
- gastrointestinal bleeding, flatulence, migraine, bloating, severe weight loss, gastrointestinal upset;
- insomnia, malfunctioning of the pancreas, depression, impaired liver function with manifestations of jaundice;
- persistent hallucinations, inflammation of the oral mucosa, impaired functioning of the nervous system, anemia, instability of blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, Quincke edema.
How much drug is needed for an overdose?
The maximum dose of the drug in question 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 mentioned medication in an amount significantly exceeding the indicated daily dose.
In children, a dose of the drug up to 100 mg / kg of body weight does not contribute to the development of serious consequences. But a dosage of more than 400 mg / kg will certainly cause severe symptoms.
The number of NSAIDs that can lead to an overdose in adult patients is determined individually 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, spasm of the masticatory muscles, lethargy, heart rhythm disturbances;
- transient hearing impairment, headache, ringing or tinnitus, depression, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia, tachycardia.
In case of severe overdose with Nurofen, the symptoms in a child and adult may be as follows:
- metabolic acidosis;
- atrial fibrillation;
- acute renal failure;
- respiratory arrest;
- coma.
First aid
An overdose of Nurofen (tablets or syrup) requires mandatory medical intervention. If no more than one hour has elapsed since taking the increased dose of the drug, then urgent care should be provided with gastric lavage. To this end, the victim must drink a large amount of ordinary water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Next, you need to provoke vomiting (using irritation of the root of the tongue). A similar procedure is carried out until the released water ceases to contain particles of previously eaten food.
It should be remembered that babies 3-4 years old are thus not allowed to rinse the stomach! 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 enterosorbent. Such drugs as activated charcoal, Atoxil, Polysorb, Smecta, etc. can serve as it. Such medications are necessary for the binding of ibuprofen, which managed to penetrate 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 a plentiful drink. Drinking large amounts of water will reduce the concentration of the drug in the blood and accelerate its excretion from the body.
When is specialist help needed?
In all cases, in case of an overdose of NSAIDs, you should seek medical help, especially if the increased amount of the medicine was taken 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 provides for the alkalization of plasma. For this, intravenous infusion of electrolytes, glucose solutions and sodium bicarbonate is carried out. Oral diuretics may also be prescribed to the patient.
The use of other methods of extracorporeal detoxification is not provided because of their low effectiveness.
Possible consequences
An overdose of "Nurofen" in the mild usually does not cause negative consequences. However, the prognosis for taking large doses of the drug is much more serious. In such cases, acute renal failure (and then chronic) and even death may become a complication.
The consequences of an overdose of NSAIDs are extremely severe if a person has taken an excessively large dose of Nurofen. Such acute poisoning is necessarily reflected in all important human systems and organs. In this case, the following diseases may develop:
- chronic pancreatitis;
- jaundice;
- violation of the genitourinary system;
- persistent allergic reactions;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- Chronical bronchitis.
Precautions While Using The Drug
What should patients be aware of in order to prevent probable cases of overdose with an analgesic and antipyretic drug like Nurofen? Experts say that in order to avoid intoxication of the body with anti-inflammatory drugs, several simple rules must be observed:
- It is forbidden to use drugs with an expired shelf life, since they develop a chemical reaction that promotes the appearance of toxic substances.
- Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your doctor. All drugs 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 can decompose, releasing toxic substances.
- Medicines should be kept out of the reach of small children.
- It is forbidden to leave Nurofen in an easily accessible place until the next dose.
- You can not demonstrate to children how the container with medicinal syrup opens.
"Nurofen" is an excellent drug for first aid to a baby and an adult with severe pain of various kinds, as well as elevated body temperature. However, one should always remember that excessive and uncontrolled intake of any medication can lead to sad consequences.