Despite the widespread use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the current number of reported cases of poisoning is small. However, with the introduction of 'over-the-counter' preparations of NSAIDs in some countries (e.g. ibuprofen in the UK and USA) an increased incidence of acute poisoning from this group of drugs can be expected. Conventionally, NSAIDs are divided into the following groups based on their chemical structure: arylpropionic acids, indole and indene acetic acids, heteroarylacetic acids, fenamates, phenylacetic acids, pyrazolones and oxicams. Unless NSAIDs are ingested in substantial overdose, acute poisoning with these agents does not usually result in significant morbidity or mortality. In most cases the clinical features are mild and confined to the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, though acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, respiratory depression, coma, convulsions, cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest may complicate severe poisoning. Arylpropionic acid derivatives were thought initially to have a low order of toxicity in overdose but, in addition to anticipated gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, tinnitus, hyperventilation, sinus tachycardia, hypoprothrombinaemia, haematuria, proteinuria and acute renal failure have been described. In addition, drowsiness, coma, nystagmus, diplopia, hypothermia, hypotension, respiratory depression and cardiac arrest have been reported in severe cases of poisoning. Oxyphenbutazone and phenylbutazone are considerably more toxic in overdose. Complications of severe poisoning include coma, convulsions, hepatic dysfunction, acute renal failure, sodium and water retention, haematuria, cardiovascular collapse, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, hypoprothrombinaemia and thrombocytopenia. In contrast, indomethacin appears to be much less toxic. In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, indomethacin taken in overdose induces headache, tinnitus, dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation and restlessness. Only 1 case of acute sulindac poisoning has been reported in the literature. A 16-year-old boy was admitted with hypokalaemia (2.2 mmol/L), transient granulocytosis and 'scanty' haematemesis after ingesting 12 g sulindac. No case of acute tolmetin poisoning have been reported. The fenamates (flufenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, tolfenamic acid) are, with the exception of mefenamic acid, not as widely prescribed as other groups of NSAIDs. In overdose, mefenamic acid may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle twitching, convulsions and coma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)