Strychnine Flashcards
Strychnine
Restricted use Pesticide
What is Strychnine used for?
Control of gophers, squirrels, deer mine, moles, prairie dogs, rats, porcupines, chipmunks, rabbits, and pigeons
Strychnine Properties
Alkaloid from strychnos nux vomica seeds weak base moderately water soluble adheres to soil particles persists in environment (40 days)
Strychnine toxicokinetics
readily absorbed from the GI tract Vomiting decreases toxicity not highly protein bound Crosses the BBB Metabolizes in the Liver Undergoes enterohepatic recirculation
Mechanism of Action of Strychnine
Block post-synaptic effect of glycine in the spinal cord
Glycine
important inhibitory neurotransmitter to motor neurons and interneurons in the spinal cord
What does the blocking of post synaptic glycine lead to?
Highly exaggerated reflex arcs
muscle spasms
severe extensor rigidity
tonic seizures
What are the clinical signs of Strychnine toxicosis?
Apprehension panting nausea/vomiting Mydriasis Stiffness muscle twitching hyperthermia tonic seizures and opisthotonos Seizures elicitable by external stimuli sardonic grin death from respiratory failure
What lesions are associated with Strychnine toxicosis?
hemorrhage
congestion
cyanosis
What are the specimens for Strychnine detection?
Stomach contents bait serum urine liver
Treatment of Strychnine toxicosis
Supportive/symptomatic care Fluid therapy oxygen support Stay in a quite place - avoid stimuli Treat muscle tremors and rigidity with diazepam Treat seizures IV Lipid therapy Urinary Acidifier - Ammonium chloride and methionine
What drugs should you avoid with Strychnine toxicosis?
opioids
phenothiazines
neuromuscular blockers
dissociative anesthetics
What is prognosis for Strychnine toxicosis?
Good if alive
Early and aggressive therapy for 24-72 hours usually results in a good outcome
