Medicinal drug poisoning
This condition occurs as a result of accidental, suicidal, or addictive ingestion of a large or incorrect dose of medical drugs in a manner inconsistent with medical principles, and this occurs through several methods, the most important of which are: inhalation, swallowing, and injection.
Symptoms and signs
The symptoms of this poisoning vary according to the type of drug and quantity taken, and also according to the age of the person affected. The most important of these symptoms are:
• Nausea, vomiting, and pain inside the abdomen, affecting the level of consciousness of the injured person.
• An abnormal change in the pupil (eye pupil).
1. Narcotic drugs: (heroin, morphine)
It is usually taken by injection, swallowing, or inhalation, and its symptoms are:
– The patient feels difficulty breathing.
– Tightness in the pupils of the eyes.
– It is noted that there are signs of repeated injections on the insides of the forearms.
2. Tranquilizers: such as barbiturates:
Breathing is shallow and rapid, the victim’s skin is cold or moist, and the pulse is rapid and weak, affecting the degree of consciousness.
3. Stimulants: such as amphetamines
The victim suffers from tremors and hallucinations, along with agitation and severe sweating.
4. Painkillers: Analgesics
• Paracetamol (Adol – Fevadol):
It is widely used and causes liver poisoning. The dose causing poisoning in children is 140 mg/kg – and in adults it is more than 6 g.
Symptoms and signs
Nausea and vomiting, and after 24 hours of poisoning, symptoms of liver poisoning, irritation of the meninges, kidney failure, and slow blood clotting appear.
Diagnosis
Taking the patient’s medical history, general symptoms and signs of toxins, and performing the necessary tests: such as liver and kidney function, and the drug level in the blood.
treatment :
– Give Ipecac Syrup at an amount of 1 ml/kg of body weight.
– Installation of an intestinal tube for gastric lavage.
– Antibiotic treatment: Acetylcysteine 140 mg/kg.
– Cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary.
• Aspirin
The dose causing poisoning is 150 mg/kg.
Symptoms and signs
1. Abdominal pain with possible vomiting of blood, depression and lethargy (desire to sleep), and a feeling of ringing inside the ears.
2. Difficulty breathing with a strong pulse, sweating, and possible loss of consciousness.
Diagnosis
Medical history – symptoms and signs – tests (percentage of medication in blood plasma – x-ray of the abdomen – liver function – blood clotting speed).
treatment
1. Gastric lavage using a nasogastric tube.
2. There is no specific antidote, but Charcol is given at an amount of 1 g/kg.
3. Ensuring the integrity of the airways, giving oxygen if necessary, and treating dehydration and fainting.