Symptoms of Ibuprofen Overdose
Ibuprofen is a pain reliever known as an NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug 2. According to Drugs.com, most people can take up to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen four times a day without serious complications 2. Higher doses of ibuprofen can cause symptoms of overdose 12. If you experience any adverse effects while taking ibuprofen, consult with a medical professional 2.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Auditory and Visual Changes
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Taking too much ibuprofen can cause blurred vision and ringing in the ears, a condition called tinnitus 2. A study reported in the November 1986 issue of the "Annals of Emergency Medicine" found that involuntary movements of the eyes, called nystagmus, is also a symptom consistent with NSAID overdose 3.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties may signify an overdose of ibuprofen is in progress 12. Patients may wheeze, experience breathing interruptions or have a very slow breathing pattern, notes MedlinePlus. A dangerously low blood pressure level, called hypotension, may accompany breathing problems.
Neurological Symptoms
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Doses of ibuprofen that exceed 3200 milligrams daily can also cause neurological symptoms such as mental confusion, altered states of consciousness including coma, as well as headaches, dizziness and an extreme feeling of fatigue 2. The study in "Annals of Emergency Medicine" reported that a few cases of ibuprofen overdose led to seizures 123.
Urinary Problems
Urinating very little, not being able to produce any urine at all, or passing blood in the urine can all be signs of an ibuprofen overdose 12. Large quantities of the drug, even if not classified an overdose, can cause kidney damage in some people and should not be used by those with pre-existing kidney disease, according to Drugs.com 2.
Reduced Motor Skills
Unsteadiness, slowness in movement and not being able to speak coherently may all be signs of ibuprofen overdose 12.
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References
- MedlinePlus: Ibuprofen overdose
- Drugs.com: Ibuprofen
- Annals of Emergency Medicine: Ibuprofen overdose; MD Alan H Hall, et al.
- American Migraine Foundation. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for Acute Migraine Treatment. Published December 14, 2011.
- Rabbie R, Derry S, Moore RA. Ibuprofen With or Without an Antiemetic for Acute Migraine Headaches in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Apr 30. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011474.pub2
- Rabbie R, Derry S, Moore RA. Ibuprofen with or without an antiemetic for acute migraine headaches in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(4):CD008039. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008039.pub3
- Cleveland Clinic. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines (NSAIDs). Reviewed April 27, 2016.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ibuprofen Drug Facts Label. Content current as of April 6, 2016.
- Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA, et al. Ibuprofen for Acute Treatment of Episodic Tension-type Headache in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jul 31;(7):CD011474. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD011474.pub2
- Rabbie R, Derry S, Moore RA. Ibuprofen With or Without an Antiemetic for Acute Migraine Headaches in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Apr 30. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011474.pub2
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (July 2015). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Strengthens Warning That Non-aspirin Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Can Cause Heart Attacks or Strokes. July 9, 2015.
Writer Bio
Erica Roth has been a writer since 2007. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and was a college reference librarian for eight years. Roth earned a Bachelor of Arts in French literature from Brandeis University and Master of Library Science from Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Her articles appear on various websites.