Overdose of Ferrous Sulphate, Co-Dydramol and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Leading to Fatal Hepatotoxicity

Abstract

A 27-year-old woman died within 48 hours of an overdose of ferrous sulphate, co-dydramol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) from shock secondary to acute liver failure. Her serum iron level at five hours postingestion was lower than that of many non-fatal, pure ferrous sulphate overdoses in published studies. This case highlights the importance of knowing the signs, symptoms and prognostication of ferrous sulphate toxicity and appreciation of the cumulative fatal effects of polypharmacy overdose.