Drexel University College of Medicine

Poisons

Fenoprofen calcium overdose

Definition

Fenoprofen calcium is a type of medicine called a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Fenoprofen calcium overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Nalfon overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Fenoprofen, a prescription painkiller commonly used to relieve symptoms of arthritis

Where Found

• Fenoprofen
• Nalfon
• Naprofen
• Progesic

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

• Airways and lungs
  • Breathing - slow and labored
  • Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
• Bladder and kidneys
  • Little to no urine output
• Eyes and ears
  • Ringing in the ears
• Gastrointestinal system
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Increased heart rate
• Nervous system
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Coma
  • Convulsions
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Incoherence (not understandable)
  • Movement problems
  • Numbness and tingline
  • Unsteadiness
  • Seizures
  • Severe headache
• Skin
  • Rash

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

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 the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

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
• Breathing support
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Laxative
• Medication (antidote) to reverse the effects of the poison
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

Taking too much of this medication is not usually a problem. You may have some pain in your stomach and vomiting (possibly with blood). Most people recover without any significant effects. However, significant internal bleeding is possible and death has been reported. A large overdose can cause serious damage to both children and adults.

References

Donovan JW. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 51.

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