From the Research
Treatment for ibuprofen overdose requires immediate medical attention, and the most effective approach involves a combination of supportive care, monitoring, and potentially invasive interventions, as seen in the case report of a 14-year-old male who ingested approximately 50 g of ibuprofen and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiovascular support 1. If you suspect an ibuprofen overdose, call poison control (1-800-222-1222) or go to the emergency room immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by medical professionals. At the hospital, treatment typically involves:
- Activated charcoal administration within 1-2 hours of ingestion to prevent further absorption
- Monitoring of vital signs, kidney function, and acid-base balance
- Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support kidney function
- For severe cases, sodium bicarbonate may be administered to correct metabolic acidosis
- Hemodialysis might be necessary in critical situations with significant kidney impairment or extremely high ibuprofen levels The severity of overdose depends on the amount ingested, with doses exceeding 400 mg/kg considered potentially life-threatening, as reported in a case of a healthy two-year-old boy who developed reversible acute renal insufficiency after a toxic ingestion of approximately 640 mg/kg ibuprofen 2. Ibuprofen overdose can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and in severe cases, kidney failure, seizures, and metabolic acidosis, as seen in a case of ibuprofen overdose complicated by renal failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and metabolic acidosis 3. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes, so don't delay seeking medical help if an overdose is suspected. Some studies suggest that renal function tests are not routinely required for patients ingesting less than 6 g of ibuprofen, and 4 hours of observation is sufficient for asymptomatic patients not requiring psychiatric admission 4. However, it's essential to prioritize caution and consider the potential for severe toxicity, especially in cases of large ingestions or significant symptoms, as reported in a case of acute intoxication due to ibuprofen overdose, where the patient developed severe metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure, acute liver-cell injury, acute cholestasis, and thrombocytopenia 5.