Ibuprofen overdose--a prospective study

Of 61 cases of ibuprofen overdosage reported consecutively to the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center from September 1985 through April 1986, 16 were excluded because of incomplete follow-up or concurrent medication ingestion. A toxic reaction developed in 7 (16%) of the remaining 45 patients. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, mild central nervous system depression, coma, tachycardia, apnea, metabolic acidosis with or without respiratory alkalosis, hematemesis, and oliguric renal failure were noted. Two of six adults had a toxic reaction, and one died. Among pediatric patients, 5/39 (13%) had a toxic reaction. Of patients whose ibuprofen ingestion was less than 104 mg per kg, none became ill. All patients in whom the time of ingestion was known (six of seven) and who had a toxic reaction did so within four hours of ingestion. An ibuprofen overdose, although usually benign, can occasionally produce serious toxicity.