Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) Poisoning

Abstract

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is not only the most common childhood poison, but its widespread use, attractive taste, as well as the late appearance of its toxic symptoms make it a particular threat to families with young children.¹In addition, physicians have no proved way of attacking the problem to bring about a reduction in the number of such incidents; in 1959, for example, 40% of all medicinal and over 25% of the total childhood poisonings were due to acetylsalicylic acid²—a number which has steadily risen in recent years despite alleged therapeutic advances.^3-6 New methods of approach in both factgathering and prevention of accidental poisoning are clearly indicated. Previous use of mass media and regulation of dosage and container design have been unsuccessful. A method of prevention is also needed which can be applied easily by individual physicians and parents, since they are at the most strategic