Ibuprofen overdose
Definition
Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the recommended amount of this medicine.
This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.
Alternative Names
Advil overdose; Nuprin overdose; PediaProfen overdose; Rufen overdose; Motrin overdose
Poisonous Ingredient
Ibuprofen is sold over-the-counter and by prescription.
Where Found
Ibuprofen is found in:
- Advil
- Medipren
- Midol
- Motrin
- Nuprin
- Pamprin IB
- PediaProfen
- Rufen
Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.
Symptoms
Symptoms may develop in the following areas:
Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth:
Gastrointestinal:
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea, vomiting (sometimes bloody)
- Stomach pain (possible bleeding in stomach and intestines)
Heart and blood:
- Low blood pressure (shock) and weakness
Kidneys:
- Little to no urine production
Lungs:
- Breathing -- difficult
- Breathing -- slow
- Wheezing
Nervous system:
- Agitation, confusion, incoherent (not understandable)
- Drowsiness, even coma
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Headache (severe)
- Unsteadiness, trouble moving
Skin:
- Rash
- Sweating
- Chills
Before Calling Emergency
The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:
- Person's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
- If the medicine was prescribed for the person
However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.
Poison Control
Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
- Blood and urine tests
- Chest x-ray
- Tube through the mouth into the stomach and small intestine to identify and treat internal bleeding (endoscopy)
- ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
- Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV)
- Laxative
- Medicines to treat symptoms
Outlook (Prognosis)
Recovery is likely with prompt medical treatment, except in very large overdoses. Some people may develop chronic liver or kidney injury.
References
Aronson JK. Ibuprofen. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:5-12.
Hatten BW. Aspirin and nonsteroidal agents. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 139.
Nelson LS. Acute poisoning. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 102.
Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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