Salicylate levels are used to assess toxicity from overdose of which drug?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Aspirin
• C. Ibuprofen
• D. Pseudoephedrine

Answer: (B)

Salicylate levels are used because aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is rapidly converted to salicylic acid in the body, and the toxic effects come from the salicylate. Measuring the serum salicylate concentration directly reflects the exposure and helps gauge severity, guide treatment decisions (such as urine/serum pH manipulation and, in severe cases, dialysis), and track response with serial testing.

Other drugs have different monitoring approaches: acetaminophen overdose is assessed with acetaminophen levels to predict liver injury risk; ibuprofen overdose isn’t evaluated using salicylate measurements; pseudoephedrine overdose is managed based on symptoms and other tests specific to sympathomimetic toxicity.