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Warning-sign checks

Ibuprofen overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if the person:

    • Has trouble breathing or is breathing unusually slowly
    • Has a seizure
    • Collapses, faints, or cannot be awakened
    • Is severely confused or agitated
    • Has blue, grey, or very pale skin or lips
    • Vomits blood or passes black, tar-like stool
    • Has taken ibuprofen intentionally to cause self-harm

    Do not give food, drink, charcoal, or another medicine unless emergency or poison specialists advise it.

    Routine follow-up is different from emergency care.

    New breathing difficulty, collapse, seizures, reduced consciousness, or significant bleeding require emergency help instead.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison centre promptly for any suspected overdose, even if there are no symptoms.

    Early advice can help determine whether home observation or medical assessment is appropriate.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange follow-up after discharge if repeat kidney tests were recommended or if mild symptoms are not improving.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

Do not drive yourself if you are severely drowsy, confused, faint, or unwell.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ibuprofen overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.