TOX 4 - Arsenic

Question 1

Arsenic compounds

Answer 1

Elemental is basically harmless

Trivalent - highly toxic, poor solute, but can be absorbed through skin

Pentavalent - less toxic, more soluble

Question 2

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 2

Binds to SH groups and inhibits enzymes

Strong capillary poison

Possible carcinogenic

Question 3

Acute intoxication symptoms

Answer 3

initial - nausea, vomiting, dizziness

mid - latency period

late - severe vomiting and diarrhoea (rice water stool) -> severe dehydration

Question 4

Treatment of acute intox

Answer 4

Gastric lavage

Chelation therapy (dimercaprol)

Supportive treatment

Question 5

Chronic intoxiaction

Answer 5

Skin change, anorexia, cachexia, GI problems etc -> death

Question 6

Arsine gas poisoning (ASH3)

Answer 6

Very powerful haemolytic agent - fever, icterus, renal damage

Supportive treatment