ABSTRACT
268Numerous products contain nonnarcotic (nonopioid) analgesics. They are used to treat a wide variety of clinical conditions, including pain, inflammation, and fever. Some are available without prescription, although others require the patient to be under the care of a licensed medical practitioner. Despite this plethora of products, there are three nonnarcotic analgesics that are most commonly used in the United States. These are aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may induce a variety of adverse effects, but they are not usually associated with acute toxic reactions. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, has been associated with many acute poisonings. Surprisingly, it has not caused severe toxicity in adults, in spite of its widespread availability and use. The salient features of toxicity of non-narcotic analgesics are summarized in this chapter.
