Department of Neurology, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
ABSTRACT
The acutely poisoned patient remains a common problem facing doctors working in acute medicine. More common and serious poisonings are caused by acetaminophen, salicylates, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, and cocaine. Rapid triage is crucial, including airway, respiration, and circulation stabilization. Appropriate supportive or toxin-specific treatment should be initiated. Aspects of general management are discussed including immediate interventions, investigations, gastrointestinal decontamination techniques, use of antidotes, and methods to increase poison elimination. Physicians should know the appropriate initial assessment of suspected toxin ingestion, and recognize important toxidromes.