1.Acute toxicity:
Cause: ingestion of large doses of salicylates. Manifestations:
- Nausea, vomiting, hematemesis.
- Acidosis and dehydration.
- Pulmonary edema and cardiovascular collapse.
- Hyperpyrexia, hyperventilation, irritability, convulsions, coma.
Treatment:
- Repeated gastric lavage with activated charcoal.
- Cold fomentations for hyperpyrexia.
- Vit K 10-30 mg i.m. to control hemorrhage.
- i.v. fluids to correct dehydration.
- i.v. sodium bicarbonate to correct acidosis.
- Alkalinization of urine: to enhance salicylate excretion.
- Hemodialysis in severe cases.
2.Chronic toxicity: (Salicylism):
Cause: prolonged administration of salicylates.
Manifestations:
- headache, tinnitus, tachypnea, respiratory alkalosis.
Treatment:
- just stop salicylates. The condition is reversible.