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Drug overdose--reducing the load.

D Jawary1, P A Cameron, L Dziukas

  • 1Emergency Department, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, VIC.

The Medical Journal of Australia
|March 2, 1992
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Activated charcoal is the most effective method for reducing poison absorption, outperforming gastric emptying procedures. Whole bowel lavage is reserved for specific lethal overdoses where charcoal is ineffective.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal decontamination is a critical intervention in managing poisoning cases.
  • Various methods exist to reduce the absorption of ingested toxins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and evaluate the efficacy of different methods for reducing gastrointestinal absorption of poisons and drugs.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of 65 English-language articles published between 1985 and 1990.
  • Focus on studies employing objective measures of gastrointestinal decontamination efficacy.

Main Results:

  • Gastric emptying (lavage or ipecac) is effective only within one hour of ingestion; gastric lavage is superior to ipecac.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Activated charcoal is more effective than gastric emptying and recommended for most poisonings.
  • Cathartics (sorbitol) can augment activated charcoal. Whole bowel lavage is for specific cases where charcoal fails.

    • Conclusions:

    • For children over 12 months, syrup of ipecac can be administered at home. Hospitalized children often require only activated charcoal.
    • Adults typically receive supportive care and activated charcoal if seen within four hours. Gastric lavage is reserved for early presentations with toxicity symptoms.