Emergency Treatment Of Poisoning

Question 1

Activated charcoal

-indication

Answer 1

Reduction of absorption of poisons (can be used in paracetamol overdose if <1hr of ingestion)

Question 2

Activated charcoal

-Side effects

Answer 2

Chemical pneumonia is risk. Not to be used if at risk of aspiration!

Note: not effective for toxic alcohols, heavy metals or hydrocarbons.

Question 3

N-acetylcysteine

-indication

Answer 3

Paracetamol overdose if above treatment line or staggered overdose

Question 4

N-acetylcysteine

• BNF preferred IV infusion fluid

Answer 4

Glucose 5% or NaCl 0.9% if glucose not available

Question 5

N-acetylcysteine

-side effects

Answer 5

• GI disturbance

- Anaphylactoid reactions, especially if low paracetamol concentration

Question 6

Naloxone

-indication

Answer 6

Treatment of opioid overdose

Question 7

Naloxone

-side effects

Answer 7

• Risk of precipitating opioid withdrawal

Note: shorter half-life than opioids therefore infusion may be required