ABSTRACT
Apart from the specific measures directed at the poison itself, the management of most severe poisonings involves control of the symptoms and effects of poisoning. When a patient becomes unconscious from a poison, oropharyngeal muscular relaxation, laryngeal spasm, laryngeal edema, or tracheobronchial secretions frequently impair the airway. Coma due to poisoning results from interference with brain cell function or metabolism. Administering stimulants to treat poison-induced coma is not effective; it is contraindicated. Hyperactivity and delirium can occur in severe poisoning and complicate treatment. Irritant poisons excreted by the kidney may inflame the neck of the bladder sufficiently to cause urine retention. Used to treat acute cyanide poisoning and to prevent cyanide accumulation in patients on prolonged nitroprusside infusions. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are used to removing certain poisons from the body, especially if kidney function is impaired. Data concerning the distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs and chemicals is useful to in the management of an overdose or poisoning.
