Core Information
Introduction
Links to specific poisoning information - see monographs:
Drugs
by class
,
by name
Chemicals
Natural toxins
,
plants by name
,
snakes by name
Epidemiology
History
Past medical history
Previous self-poisonings
Other drug use
Source of medication
Suicidal intent
Time and type of exposure
Physical examination
Investigations
Arterial blood gases
Blood glucose
Drug concentrations
ECG
Electrolytes, creatinine, liver function tests
Urinary drug screen
Information regarding toxicity
Differential diagnosis
Acidosis
The anticholinergic syndrome
Bradyarrhythmias
Hallucinations/delirium
Hypotension and bradycardia
Multiorgan failure
Seizures
The sympathomimetic syndrome
Tachyarrhythmias
Unconsciousness
Management of patients refusing treatment
Treatment
Decontamination
Activated charcoal
Emesis
Gastric lavage
Whole bowel irrigation (lavage)
Enhancing elimination
Alkaline diuresis & ion trapping
Charcoal haemoperfusion
Haemodialysis
Repeated doses of activated charcoal
Whole bowel irrigation
Supportive treatment
Anticoagulation
Intubation and ventilation
Nursing care
Thiamine
Specific complications
Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Aspiration pneumonia
Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest
Delirium
Paralytic Ileus
Status epilepticus
Drug and alcohol assessment & counselling