ASA toxicity

Q: The diagnosis of aspirin (ASA) toxicity should be correlated well with the timing of aspirin ingestion? (select one)

A) True
B) False


Answer: B

In normal circumstances, non-enteric coated ASA gets rapidly absorbed in the stomach, and peak concentration is reached within an hour. But in case of its overdose peak levels can be delayed for six hours or even longer. This is due to the phenomenon of pylorospasm. Also, bezoar formation may occur. Moreover, in case of overdose hepatic detoxification becomes saturated, and elimination becomes dependent upon relatively slower renal excretion and half-life may get extended up to 30 hours.

#toxicology


References:

1. Rivera W, Kleinschmidt KC, Velez LI, et al. Delayed salicylate toxicity at 35 hours without early manifestations following a single salicylate ingestion. Ann Pharmacother 2004; 38:1186. 

2. Garella S. Extracorporeal techniques in the treatment of exogenous intoxications. Kidney Int 1988; 33:735.