

As a result, your doctor may take repeated blood level tests to make sure aspirin levels aren’t getting higher over time.

Examples of tests include:Īspirin can have a delayed absorption in the body. The doctor may order blood and urine testing to determine how severe the levels of salicylates are in your blood and how much the aspirin has affected your body. Taking empty pill bottles may help a doctor understand how much may have been consumed. This may be because it’s so readily available.Ī doctor will begin by asking you or your loved one about how much aspirin was taken. Intentional aspirin overdose is the leading cause of adolescent cases of salicylate poisoning, according to the University of Chicago. If you’re prone to chronic toxicity, you may not have to take as much aspirin to experience severe symptoms of overdose, because it’s built up in your body. This can happen if you have problems with your kidneys and liver, which are responsible for filtering aspirin. In some cases, taking aspirin on a regular basis can lead to chronic salicylate toxicity. In addition, because children weigh less, they don’t have to take as much medication to overdose. Aspirin increases their risk for a condition called Reye’s syndrome. You can prevent this by keeping aspirin in a secure location.Ĭhildren under the age of 12 shouldn’t take aspirin in any amount. Child overdoseĪspirin manufacturers make childproof caps to reduce the likelihood of a child getting access to aspirin. They can lead to overdose if taken in addition to aspirin. Pepto-Bismol and oil of wintergreen also contain salicylates.


Medications that contain aspirin include: If they have a condition that affects their body’s ability to process aspirin, such as a liver or kidney disorder, they’re more likely to experience an accidental overdose. Sometimes a person will take aspirin not knowing they took other medicines that also contain aspirin. Potential causes of overdose can include: Accidental overdose
