An Autopsy Case of a Nonprescription Aspirin Overdose and Chlorine Gas Exposure

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), with fewer adverse reactions than salicylic acid, was first generated as an antipyretic analgesic through acetylation of salicylic acid in the late 19th century [1-3]. Since then, aspirin has long been used as an ingredient in anti-inflammatory agents worldwide and is commonly used as a drug with antiinflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects, as well as antiplatelet and antirheumatic effects [4-6]. Aspirin has been used as a prescription drug and nonprescription (over-the-counter) drug, and demand for the drug has steadily increased [6,7]. However, some nonprescription drugs that are formulated with a large amount of aspirin and no antacid have potent effects, which raise concern about the use of these products. Consequently, cases of aspirin poisoning caused by overdose are common [8-10].