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Related Concept Videos

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.ย ย ย ย ย 
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
Antidotes01:17

Antidotes

Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
Toxidromes: Clinical Features01:30

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
Physical Properties of Amines01:26

Physical Properties of Amines

Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Model of Self-limited Acute Lung Injury by Unilateral Intra-bronchial Acid Instillation
07:40

A Model of Self-limited Acute Lung Injury by Unilateral Intra-bronchial Acid Instillation

Published on: August 30, 2019

Aconite poisoning.

Thomas Y K Chan1

  • 1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China. tykchan@cuhk.edu.hk

Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|June 12, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Aconite poisoning, caused by toxic alkaloids in Aconitum species, presents with neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Management is supportive, with cardiopulmonary bypass crucial for refractory ventricular arrhythmias and cardiogenic shock.

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Published on: April 28, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Herbal Medicine

Background:

  • Aconitum species contain highly toxic cardiotoxins and neurotoxins, primarily aconitine and related alkaloids.
  • Accidental ingestion or improperly processed herbal decoctions can lead to severe aconite poisoning.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine uses processed aconite roots to reduce alkaloid toxicity, but inadequate processing or overdose increases risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on aconite poisoning, covering its traditional uses, toxic components, mechanisms, and clinical management.
  • To elucidate the cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects of Aconitum alkaloids on voltage-sensitive sodium channels.
  • To outline the clinical presentation and current management strategies for aconite poisoning.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive Medline search (1963-February 2009) was performed.
  • Key articles on traditional medicine use, active ingredients, toxicity mechanisms, toxicokinetics, clinical features, and management were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Aconitine and related alkaloids exert cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity by persistently activating voltage-sensitive sodium channels.
  • Clinical presentations include neurological (sensory/motor deficits), cardiovascular (arrhythmias, hypotension), and gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Refractory ventricular arrhythmias and cardiogenic shock are major causes of mortality (5.5% in-hospital).

Conclusions:

  • Aconite roots contain potent cardiotoxins and neurotoxins, leading to diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Supportive management is key, with early cardiopulmonary bypass recommended for refractory ventricular arrhythmias and cardiogenic shock.
  • Amiodarone and flecainide show promise as first-line treatments for aconite-induced arrhythmias.