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Related Concept Videos

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

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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...
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Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

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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...
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Antidotes01:17

Antidotes

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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,...
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Enhanced Elimination of Poison01:26

Enhanced Elimination of Poison

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Poison can be effectively removed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through various decontamination procedures.
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
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Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics01:24

Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics

440
Cholinergic antagonists—such as antimuscarinics—are available in oral, topical, ocular, parenteral, and inhalational formulations. Most antimuscarinics are oral formulations,  while scopolamine is available as a topical patch, and ipratropium and tiotropium are available as inhalation aerosols or powders. Atropine, tropicamide, and cyclopentolate are topically instilled in the eye. Most antimuscarinics are lipid-soluble and readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and...
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Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis01:20

Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis

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Tachyphylaxis is described as a rapid decrease in response to a drug after repeated or continuous administration of the same drug dose. It is a phenomenon where the body becomes less responsive to a particular substance or intervention over time, requiring higher doses or stronger interventions to achieve the same effect. It results from adaptive changes in the body's receptors, signaling pathways, or physiological processes that occur in response to prolonged exposure to a stimulus.
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Acute Medication Poisoning.

Irbert L Vega1, Matthew K Griswold2, Dayne Laskey3

  • 1University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut.

American Family Physician
|February 23, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Poisoning is a major cause of death and illness, particularly in young children and adults due to opioid overdoses. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment, including Poison Control consultation, are crucial for managing poisoning cases.

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Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Poisoning represents a significant cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in the U.S.
  • While young children have the highest exposure rates, recent years have seen a rise in poisoning deaths among young adults, primarily due to opioid overdoses.
  • Medication poisoning requires consideration in patients presenting with altered mental status, vital sign abnormalities, seizures, or gastrointestinal/cardiovascular issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the critical aspects of evaluating and managing acute poisoning cases.
  • To emphasize the importance of prompt recognition and intervention in poisoning incidents.
  • To highlight the role of Poison Control centers in providing expert guidance.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive history and physical examination are essential for all poisoned patients.
  • Toxidromes can aid in identifying unknown ingestions, though their utility may be limited with multiple toxin exposures.
  • Diagnostic tools include electrocardiography for specific symptoms/overdoses and laboratory tests like electrolytes, creatinine, and bicarbonate levels to calculate the anion gap.

Main Results:

  • Treatment focuses on resuscitation and stabilization, prioritizing airway, breathing, and circulation.
  • Electrocardiography and laboratory assessments guide diagnosis and management based on clinical presentation.
  • Poison Control centers offer 24-hour specialist access for healthcare workers and the public.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of acute poisoning relies on thorough assessment, appropriate diagnostic testing, and prompt resuscitation.
  • Early consultation with Poison Control specialists is vital for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Addressing the rise in opioid-related poisonings is a critical public health concern.