ACUTE-POISONING - A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Poisonings are frequently encountered in hospital emergency department s. Approximately 80% of poisonings occur by ingestion of toxic substan ces. The basic approach to the poisoned patient includes initial stabi lization to correct immediate life-threatening problems, treatment to reduce absorption, measures to improve elimination of the toxin and th e use of specific antidotes. Traditional gastric lavage is indicated t oday in severely intoxicated patients if they present within the first few hours of ingestion. Administration of activated charcoal is recom mended in most cases of poisoning. It should be administered early, in an adequate dose and repeatedly if necessary.