Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Coma: A Case Report of Fenoprofen Overdose

The case of a 17 yr old girl who ingested 24-36 g fenoprofen as a suicidal gesture is presented. She presented with coma, hypotension, metabolic acidosis & respiratory depression within 4 hours of ingestion. The propionic acid derivatives of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including fenoprofen & ibuprofen, are rarely associated with severe toxic effects. This is the first report of pure fenoprofen overdose presenting as coma and metabolic acidosis.