Percodan Overdose
Aspirin belongs to a family of substances known as salicylates. Both opioids and salicylates can result in toxic overdose in high doses. Severe respiratory depression is the primary risk factor associated with Percodan use.
The amount of Percodan necessary to trigger an overdose varies significantly between patients. The life-threatening side effects of the oxycodone in Percodan typically leads to catastrophic organ failure before aspirin toxicity is reached.

When the pupils are maximally constricted, they’re referred to as “pinpoint.” This is a common side effect of opioid overdose, except with a few obscure partial/mixed opioid agonists. In late stages of Percodan overdose, constricted pupils may become fully dilated (the opposite of pinpoint). This is due to hypoxia (severe oxygen deprivation).
Signs of toxic aspirin overdose may include abdominal pain, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and fast breathing rate. If the overdose is left untreated, symptoms can progress to include fever, swelling of the brain or lungs, low blood sugar, seizures, and cardiac arrest.

Patients with faster metabolisms tend to process the drug more efficiently. Elderly patients usually require lower doses due to slower overall metabolism. The liver is primarily responsible for metabolizing Percodan. Impaired liver function can result in extended elimination times and elevated plasma levels of the drug.
A single dose of aspirin exceeding 30 grams has a high chance of leading to overdose in most patients. Doses of aspirin greater than 150 mg per kg of body mass are considered mildly toxic. Moderate toxicity can occur at 300 mg/kg. Severe toxicity occurs between 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. Daily doses of 100 mg/kg may result in toxicity after two or more days of consistent use.
Administration of an opioid antagonist is called for if the patient presents with clinically significant respiratory depression. If clinically significant respiratory depression is not present, administration of an opioid antagonist like naloxone can cause the patient to deteriorate further. Naloxone rapidly reverses the effects of opioids by breaking their bond to opioid receptors in the body. Several doses of naloxone may be necessary in severe overdose cases. The administration of naloxone can trigger the onset of severe opioid withdrawals.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid misuse, The Recovery Village is available to answer any questions you may have. Call them toll-free at 855-548-9825 or visit them online at www.TheRecoveryVillage.com to learn more about recovery resources in your area.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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