ABSTRACT
Carbamate or organophosphate poisoning is a life-threatening condition. The study aimed to evaluate and indicate the procedure to be followed in the high care unit for the treatment of intoxication. Records of 35 patients treated for carbamate or organophosphate intoxication in the high care unit between January 2009 and December 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Of the 35 patients, 28 (80%) were males and seven (20%) females. About 46% patients were aged 20–30 years. Twenty-five patients (72%) presented mild to moderate intoxication, while 10 patients (28%) presented severe forms. Most of them suffered from carbamates (94%). Atropine was administered intravenously with a loading dose of 2.5 mg, then reduced to 50% every 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 minutes, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 hours depending on severity of poisoning. Early and rapid administration of atropine is recommended to treat carbamate or organophosphate intoxication at a high care unit.
