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Nalfon overdose

Definition

Poisoning from overdose of Nalfon.

Poisonous Ingredient

Fenoprofen

Where Found

Nalfon - a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication

Symptoms

• Body as a whole
  • Unsteadiness
• Respiratory
  • Slow, labored breathing
  • Wheezing
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Blurred vision
• Skin
  • Rash
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Possible loss of blood in the stomach and intestinal areas
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Increased heart rate
• Nervous system
  • Severe headache
  • Agitation
  • Incoherence (not understandable)
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Drowsiness
  • Convulsions
  • Movement disorder

Home Care

Seek medical care immediately. The standard procedure is to induce emesis (vomiting) unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Before inducing emesis, contact Poison Control for verification.

If instructed to induce emesis, the standard procedure is as follows:

• Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for adults.
• Follow with 1/2 glassful or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults.
• Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Other treatments may include lavage and activated charcoal.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Dialysis.
• Induce emesis.
• Use gastric lavage.
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a laxative.
• Treat the symptoms.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery depends on the extent of kidney damage.

Review Date: 12/12/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial (12/12/2001). Previous review: Kevin G. Wheeler, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (2/11/2001)