4 Ways to Treat Aspirin Poisoning

1. Spot the Signs

Aspirin poisoning is often accidental, incurred when someone takes far more aspirin than they should to treat an otherwise harmless ailment. In some cases, a suicide attempt may result in aspirin poisoning. Children are more susceptible to aspirin poisoning than adults: be sure to keep aspirin in child-proof containers and out of the reach of small children. Signs of aspirin overdoses include hyperventilation, faintness, confusion and vomiting. Hearing loss and convulsions may accompany a more serious case of aspirin poisoning. Be particularly aware of any cuts or signs of bleeding. Aspirin is a blood thinner and open bleeding should be bandaged and stopped as quickly as possible.

2. Try Activated Charcoal or Laxatives

The key in treating aspirin poisoning is preventing any more aspirin from being absorbed by the body. Activated charcoal is an herbal supplement that will absorb the aspirin's salicylate from the digestive system and pass it through without letting the body take it in. You might include a laxative along with it to speed the process. Be sure to check with a poison center before administering any medication and don't mix medications if they tell you that you shouldn't.

3. Perform Gastric Lavage

Gastric lavage should usually only be performed in a hospital setting by trained medical personnel. The procedure requires running a tube through the nose down to the stomach. The doctor then cleanses out the stomach with water or saline solution which removes any lingering salicylate from the system and prevents the body from absorbing any more aspirin. Gastric lavage is usually most beneficial if performed within 1 hour of the overdose. After that, the body has absorbed too much for the procedure to make a big difference.

4. Hydrate the Victim

Staying well-hydrated serves two purposes. First, it replenishes fluids lost during vomiting or absorbed by the excessive aspirin. In addition, it helps wash out the digestive tract and expel excess salicylate through the urine. Encourage the victim to drink a lot of clear fluids; urinating often is a good sign. If hospital care is required, the doctor may hydrate the victim through IV fluids or similar means.