Tolmetin overdose

Definition

Tolmetin is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is used to help relieve pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness due to certain types of arthritis or other conditions that cause inflammation, such as sprains or strains.

In the United States, Tolmetin has been discontinued and is no longer available, but it is still used internationally.

Tolmetin overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine, either by accident or on purpose.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Tolmetin sodium overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Tolmetin

Where Found

Tolmetin sodium is the generic name of this medicine.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of an overdose of tolmetin in different parts of the body.

AIRWAYS AND LUNGS

  • Rapid breathing
  • Slow breathing
  • Wheezing

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

KIDNEYS AND BLADDER

  • Kidney failure

NERVOUS SYSTEM

STOMACH AND INTESTINAL TRACT

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bleeding in the stomach and intestines
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting (sometimes bloody)

SKIN

  • Rash

Home Care

Seek medical help right away and call the poison control center. Standard procedure is to make the person throw up, unless the person is unconscious or having convulsions. The poison control center will tell you what to do.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the medicine and the strength of the medicine, if known
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed
  • If the medicine was prescribed for the person

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

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

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated. The person may receive:

  • Activated charcoal
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Breathing support, including oxygen and a tube through the mouth into the lungs
  • ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Intravenous fluids (IV, through a vein)
  • Laxative
  • Medicines to treat symptoms and reverse the effects of the drug
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
  • X-rays (chest or abdomen)
  • Blood transfusion if stomach bleeding is severe

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery is very likely. However, gastrointestinal bleeding may be severe and require blood transfusion. Kidney damage may be permanent. Some people may need endoscopy, placing a tube through the mouth to the stomach, to stop the bleeding. Some may need to use a kidney machine (dialysis) if their kidney function does not return to normal.

References

Aronson JK. Tolmetin. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:42-43.

Hatten BW. Aspirin and nonsteroidal agents. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 139.

Review Date: 4/1/2023
Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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