NSAIDs · Pharmacology

A patient presents with an Aspirin overdose. Which of the following is an appropriate pharmacological intervention to increase the renal excretion of the drug?

  1. Administration of Ammonium Chloride to acidify the urine
  2. Administration of Sodium Bicarbonate to alkalinize the urine
  3. Administration of N-acetylcysteine
  4. Administration of Vitamin K
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Administration of Sodium Bicarbonate to alkalinize the urine

Salicylates are weak acids. Alkalinizing the urine with Sodium Bicarbonate converts salicylic acid into its ionized form (salicylate), which is 'trapped' in the renal tubules and cannot be reabsorbed, thus accelerating its excretion.

Difficulty: Medium Question 15 of 20

Practice all 20 NSAIDs questions

Keep practicing

More NSAIDs questions