Butazolidin overdose

Definition

Butazolidin is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine drug). Butazolidin overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.

Butazolidin is no longer sold for human use in the United States. However, it is still used to treat animals, such as horses.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with has an overdose, 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.

Poisonous Ingredient

Phenylbutazone is the poisonous ingredient in butazolidin.

Where Found

In the United States, veterinary medicines that contain phenylbutazone include:

  • Bizolin
  • Butatron
  • Butazolidin
  • Butequine
  • EquiBute
  • Equizone
  • Phen-Buta
  • Phenylzone

Other medicines may also contain phenylbutazone.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of a phenylbutazone overdose in different parts of the body.

ARMS AND LEGS

  • Swelling of lower legs, ankles, or feet

BLADDER AND KIDNEYS

EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT

HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS

  • Low blood pressure

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Agitation, confusion
  • Drowsiness, even coma
  • Convulsions (seizures)
  • Dizziness
  • Incoherence (not understandable)
  • Severe headache
  • Unsteadiness, loss of balance or coordination

SKIN

  • Blisters
  • Rash

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting (possibly with blood)
  • Stomach pain

The effects of butazolidin are more pronounced and longer lasting than those of other NSAIDs. This is because its metabolism (breakdown) in the body is much slower than comparable NSAIDs.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

  • The person's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the medicine, and strength, if known
  • When it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed

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 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.

Your provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment may include:

  • Breathing support, including oxygen, tube through the mouth into the lungs, and breathing machine (ventilator)
  • Fluids through a vein (IV)
  • Laxatives
  • Medicine to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

Recovery is very likely. However, bleeding in the stomach or intestines may be severe and require blood transfusion. If there is kidney damage, it may be permanent. If bleeding does not stop, even with medicine, an endoscopy may be needed to stop the bleeding. In an endoscopy, a tube is placed through the mouth and into the stomach and upper intestine.

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: 7/1/2023
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.

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