Overdose and poisoning Flashcards
Toxic substances have?
Dose dependent toxic potentials
When are serum levels important with regards to drugs?
Acetaminophen or aspirin overdose
What is the first step to overdose and poisoning treatment?
A -B - C
What is administered for altered mental status, or coma with regards to overdose?
- Naloxone
- Glucose
- Thiamine
How is hypotension first treated?
Fluid bolus
What is the duration of naloxone?
30-60 min
First line tx for seizures?
Benzos
Gi decontamination methods?
Activated charcoal within first hour
Dispo for overdose?
MEDADVICE/MEDEVAC - consult with MO and poison control
What is toxidrome with regards to anticholinergics?
Group of symptoms
* Dry as a bone, red as a beet, hot as a hare, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter and stuffed as a pipe
What causes anticholinergic overdose?
Antihistamines (primarily diphenhydramine)
phenothiazines, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, and Jimson weed
So what are the common symptoms of anticholinergics?
Inhibition of PNS:
(a) Absent bowel sounds, mydriasis, hyperthermia, dry skin/mucus membranes, urinary retention, confusion/agitation, tachycardia, flushed skin
Tx for anticholinergic toxidrome?
Monitor, IV, O2
- Activated charcoal
- Benzos for seizures or acute agitation
Dispo for anticholinergic toxidrome?
MEDADVICE/MEDEVAC
SSRI overdose most adverse effect?
serotonin syndrome
Does SSRI have a high therapeutic to toxic ratio?
Yes, you can take a lot safely
Side effects of SSRI overdose?
headache, sedation, insomnia, dizziness,
nausea and vomiting, fatigue, tremor, nervousness, diarrhea and
anorexia
- Not typically life threatening
Tx for SSRI overdose?
Supportive care
MEDADVICE/MEDEVAC
Serotonin syndrome?
- Potentially fatal
- Cognitive and behavioral - confusion
- Autonomic - hyperthermia
- Neuromuscular - myoclonus**
Tx for serotonin syndrome?
(a) D/C all serotoninergic agents and provide supportive care
(b) MEDEVAC to closest Emergency Department or facility with a higher level of care as this is a potentially fatal conditions that requires a higher level of care
(c) Monitor all patients with muscle rigidity, seizures or hyperthermia for rhabdomyolysis
(d) For muscle rigidity or seizures administer benzodiazepines
What are considered sedatives and hypnotics?
barbiturates and benzodiazepines
What do these sedatives and hypnotic do?
depress CNS activity
What is the most common sign of overdose of sedatives and hypnotic drugs?
Respiratory depression
- dizziness
- slurred speech