---

•	Encyclopedia Home
•	Poisons A-Z
•	Read Spanish version

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

Naproxen sodium overdose

Definition

Naproxen sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve mild to moderate aches and pains. This article discusses poisoning from an overdose of naproxen sodium.

Poisonous Ingredient

Naproxen

Where Found

Naproxen sodium is sold under a variety of different brand names, including:

• Aleve
• Anaprox
• Anaprox DS
• Naprelan
• Naprosyn

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred vision
• Gastrointestinal system
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain (Possible bleeding in the stomach and intestines)
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Circulatory failure
• Lungs
  • Slow, labored breathing
  • Wheezing
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache - severe
  • Incoherence (not understandable)
  • Movement problems
  • Unsteadiness
• Skin
  • Rash

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If a doctor prescribed the medicine for the person

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: National Poison Control center

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Gastric lavage

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery is likely.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.