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Unit Code 8480:
Salicylate, Serum

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Useful For

Assessing toxicity

Clinical Information

Therapeutic salicylates include, among others, salicylic acid, sodium

salicylate, methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), and acetylsalicylic

acid (aspirin). 

 

Aspirin is an analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory drug contained

in a large number of preparations. Aspirin is rapidly hydrolyzed by

hepatic and blood esterases to the pharmacologically active

intermediate, salicylic acid, which has a dose-dependent serum

half-life ranging from 3-20 hours.

 

Stimulation of the respiratory center in the central nervous system

and uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation are direct effects of

salicylate that lead to many of the toxic symptoms observed in

overdose situations.

 

Symptoms of salicylate toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus,

headache, hyperpnea, confusion, hyperthermia, slurred speech, and

convulsions. Acid-base disturbances such as compensated respiratory

alkalosis (mild toxicity) and metabolic acidosis with increased anion

gap (severe toxicity) are commonplace.

Reference Values

Adult therapeutic concentration:  2-20 mg/dL

Toxic concentration:  > or =50 mg/dL

Interpretation

Adult therapeutic concentration: 2-20 mg/dL

 

Toxic concentration: > or =50 mg/dL

Cautions

No significant cautionary statements

Clinical Reference

Done AK: Aspirin overdosage: incidence, diagnosis, and management.

Pediatrics 1978;62:890-897

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