Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
10:37
Ferric Chloride-induced Murine Thrombosis Models
Published on: September 5, 2016
22.7K
Colchicine overdose: A South African experience, a case report
Jenna Essame1, Saul Grossberg1, Adam Mahomed2,3
1Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, South Africa.
Summary
Colchicine overdose is a rare but serious medical emergency. Supportive care can lead to recovery, even after significant ingestion, highlighting the importance of timely intervention in acute care settings.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Colchicine overdose presents a significant mortality risk due to its narrow therapeutic index.
- High mortality rates are documented with ingestions exceeding 0.8 mg/kg.
Observation:
- A case report details a 19-year-old male who survived a 0.4 mg/kg colchicine overdose after a suicide attempt.
- The patient experienced multiorgan dysfunction following the overdose.
Findings:
- Supportive management was effective in resolving the patient's multiorgan dysfunction.
- This case represents the first documented instance of colchicine overdose in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Implications:
- Familiarity with colchicine overdose presentation and management is crucial for acute care professionals.
- Prompt identification and supportive treatment are key to preventing severe morbidity and mortality.
- This case underscores the potential for recovery with appropriate supportive care in severe colchicine toxicity.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Antidotes
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,...
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,...
01:26Anticholinesterase 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.
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
01:16Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions
Idiosyncratic drug reactions represent abnormal chemical responses that vary significantly among individuals, ranging from extreme sensitivity to low doses to insensitivity to high doses. These reactions often occur due to the drug's covalent binding with serum proteins, forming a foreign hapten that triggers an immunotoxicological response. The variability in drug reactions has a strong pharmacogenetic foundation, with genetic differences crucial in how individuals metabolize drugs. For...
01:30Toxidromes: 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...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
01:26Pharmaceutical 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...