toxicology & biologic weapons

Question 1

G: diphenhydramine

B: Benadryl

Answer 1

Classification/Action

antihistamine for tx of allergic reactions (tissue swelling, itching)

Notes

SE: drowsiness; anticholinergic effects as dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation

Question 2

G: epinephrine

B:

Answer 2

Classification/Action

vasopressor/vasoconstrictor; for tx of serious allergic rex

Notes

1:1000 solution for IM, SC; 1:10:000 strength solution for IV

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Question 3

G: activated charcoal

B:

Answer 3

Classification/Action

blocks absorption of certain ingested poisons

Notes

best results are when administered w/i 30 minutes of poison ingestion

SE: black feces

Question 4

G: calcium EDTA

B:

Answer 4

Classification/Action

chelating agent used in tx of heavy metal poisoning; esp lead

Notes

Given IM BID x 3-5 days

SE: acute tubular necrosis; d/c if hematuria, proteinuria, or anuria occur

Question 5

G: digoxin immune Fab

B: Digibind

Answer 5

Classification/Action

antidote for digoxin overdose, toxic accumulation of digoxin

Notes

SE: hypokalemia

Question 6

G: vitamin K

B: AquaMephyton

Answer 6

Classification/Action

antidote for warfarin overdose

Notes

SE: unusual taste; hypersensitivity

Question 7

G: protamine sulfate

B:

Answer 7

Classification/Action

antidote for heparin and LMW heparins overdose

Notes

SE: hypersensitivity; SOB, bradycardia, BP changes

Question 8

G: acetylcysteine

B: Mucomyst

Answer 8

Classification/Action

antidote for acetaminophen overdose

Notes

for oral intake dilute in cola to minimize vomiting

SE: nausea; rhinorrhea; allergic rex

Question 9

G: naloxone

B: Narcan

Answer 9

Classification/Action

reverses effects of opiates

Notes

monitor pt; effects of naloxone may wear off before the opiate wears off and additional naloxone may need to be administered

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Question 10

G: flumazenil

B: Romazicon

Answer 10

Classification/Action

reverses effects of benzodiazepines

Notes

SE: N&V, dizziness; risk of seizures in pt with benzodiazepine withdrawal

Question 11

G: botulinum immune globulin

B:

Answer 11

Classification/Action

botulinum antitoxin

Notes

treatment for Clostridium botulinum poisoning

**SE: **

Question 12

G: atropine sulfate

B:

Answer 12

Classification/Action

anticholinergic, antimuscarinic agent

Notes

used to treat effects of nerve agent poisoning; also in other cholinergic poisoning including pesticide & mushroom poisoning, physostigmine & pilocarpine overdose

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Question 13

G: pralidoxime

B: Protopam

Answer 13

Classification/Action

antidote in poisoning due to anticholinesterase activity (resulting in too much acetylcholine activity)

Notes

use w/atropine to treat nerve agent (organophosphate) poisoning such as sarin poisoning; also for pesticide poisoning

**SE: **

Question 14

G: physostigmine

B: Antilirium

Answer 14

Classification/Action

acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (provides for increased acetylcholine)

Notes

antidote for overdose of anticholinergics (such as atropine poisoning) [atropine poisoning s/s: dilated pupils, flushed face, fever, tachycardia, dry mouth, urinary retention; ataxia, CNS excitation]

**SE: **

Question 15

G: potassium iodide

B:

Answer 15

Classification/Action

helps prevent effects of radiation fallout (blocks uptake by thyroid of radioactive iodine 131)

Note

Must be taken soon after exposure (at the most w/i 48 hours); each dose protects for 24 hrs so dosing must be repeated daily until threat of fallout has passed

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