A Comparison of the Frequency and Severity of Poisoning Cases for Ingestion of Acetominophen, Aspirin, and Ibuprofen

A comparative study of 10,134 cases of human exposure to adult formulations of aspirin, acetominophen & ibuprofen was done. Most children reporting to poison control centres had ingested the substance accidentally & most were treated at home with no fatalities. In adults, most exposures were intentional, managed at hospitals, and resulted in greater severity of symptoms with 21 deaths occurring. Aspirin & acetominophen exposure caused more severe symptoms than did ibuprofen exposure. (4 refs)