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Warning-sign checks

Indomethacin 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:

    • Is difficult to wake, collapses, or has a seizure
    • Has trouble breathing
    • Vomits blood or passes black, tar-like stool
    • Has severe confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms
    • Has taken indomethacin as an act of self-harm
    • May also have taken other medicines, drugs, or an unknown substance

    Routine follow-up is different from emergency care.

    After discharge, attend any recommended appointments or blood tests.

    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 immediately if too much indomethacin may have been taken, even if there are no symptoms.

    In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Elsewhere, contact your local poison information centre or urgent medical service.

    Contact the follow-up service promptly for persistent stomach pain, reduced urine, swelling, vomiting, or unusual weakness.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

While waiting for help, keep the packaging nearby.

If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if you can do so safely.

Do not give anything by mouth.

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