Poisoning

Question 1

Name 2 drugs that if taken in overdose may cause convulsions. (2)

Answer 1

TCAs
Theophylline
Opioids
Mefenamic acid
Isoniazid
Amphetamines

Question 2

name 2 drugs that may cause miosis in overdose? (2)

Answer 2

Opioids
Nerve agents
Organophosphates

Question 3

name 2 drugs that may cause mydriasis in overdose. (2)

Answer 3

TCAs
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Anti-muscarinic drugs

Question 4

What drug in overdose may cause hyperthermia? (1)

Answer 4

Ecstacy

Question 5

What is the timeframe on the use of activated charcoal in poisoning? (1)

Answer 5

One hour after ingestion

Question 6

What drug overdose was urinary alkalinisation used for? (1)

Answer 6

Salicyclates

Question 7

Name 2 drug overdoses where haemodialysis may be used as a treatment? (2)

Answer 7

Severe lithium, ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol and salicyclate poisoning.

Question 8

Guy has taken an overdose in an episode of DSH.
He is now experiencing symptoms of tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, overbreathing, hyperpyrexia and sweating.
What drug do you suspect he has overdosed with? (1)

Answer 8

Aspirin

Question 9

How long after paracetamol overdose does liver failure present? (1)

Answer 9

72-96 hours

Question 10

How long after paracetamol overdose should serum paracetamol levels be taken? (1)

Answer 10

At or after 4 hours

Question 11

name 3 clinical features suggestive of an overdose with tricyclic antidepressants. (3)

Answer 11

tachycardia, hypotension, fixed dilated pupils, convulsions, urinary retention, arrhythmias, decreased conscious level.