Medical Encyclopedia: Tolmetin overdose (Print Version)

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Medical Encyclopedia: Tolmetin overdose

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002558.htm

Alternative names

Tolectin overdose

Definition

Tolmetin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to help relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness due to certain types of arthritis.

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

Poisonous Ingredient

Tolmetin

Where Found

Tolectin
Novo-tolmetin

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Airways and lungs
- Breathing - rapid
- Breathing - slow
- Wheezing
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
Nervous system
- Coma
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Incoherence (not understandable)
- Unsteadiness
Stomach and intestinal tract
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the stomach and intestinal areas
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Skin
- Rash

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical attention and call Poison Control. Standard procedure is to make the person throw up, UNLESS the patient is unconscious or having convulsions. Confirm this with Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

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 (artificial respiration)
Fluids by IV
Laxative
A tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

Recovery is very likely.

Update Date: 10/29/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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