Toxicology Flashcards
Define toxicant
substance that produces adverse biological effects of any nature
Define toxin
specific protein produced by living organism that causes adverse biological effects
Define poison
toxicant that causes immediate death or illness when experienced in very small amounts
List general red flags of toxidromes
Altered mental status Abnormal pupil dilation/constriction Abnormal skin temperature/texture/color Inhibited / excessive BM inhibited / excessive urination
What are general methods of detoxification?
Remove toxicant from victim
For ingested poison: emetic, gastric lavage
Inhaled poison: oxygen ventilation
Absorbed poison: cleansing skin
Injected poison: antidote medication
Describe signs of opioid toxidrome
DOPE Respiratory Depression Obtundation Pinpoint Pupil Euphoria
Describe signs of cocaine / amphetamine toxidrome
HTN w/ cardiac and brain ischemia Placental ischemia tachycardia hyperthermia tachypnea Mydriasis Diaphoresis Psychomotor agitation
Amphetamine withdrawal is commonly characterized by ____
severe depression
Anti-cholinergic toxidrome is typically caused by drugs such as ________
antihistamines antipsychotics antidepressants anti-Parkinsonian drugs atropine
Anti-cholinergic toxidrome is characterized by ________
HTN tachycardia hyperthermia tachypnea Mydriasis Psychomotor agitation dry flushed skin absent bowel sounds urinary retention
Side effects of anti-cholinergic drugs can be described with the mnemonic _________
Hot as a hare Dry as a bone Blind as a bat Red as a beet Mad as a hatter
Described cholinergic toxidrome using the acronym SLUDGE
Salivation Lacrimation Urination Defecation GI Cramping Emesis
Alcohol intoxication presents as ________
impaired judgement, impaired higher mental function
Alcohol withdrawal presents as _______
anxiety, mild tremor, autonomic instability, delirium
Explain the relevance of Thiamine in Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
Thiamine is involved in myelination of neurons as well as detoxification from alcohol. Thiamine is often deficient in alcoholics via malnutrition and alcohol detoxification and can result in Wernicke’s encephalopathy and atrophy of the brain
