Poisonings and overdoses in the intensive care unit: general and specific management issues.
OBJECTIVE
To provide current information on general and specific interventions for overdoses likely to require intensive care.


METHODS
Review of literature relevant to selected interventions for general management of overdoses and specific poisons.


RESULTS
The benefit of interventions to decrease absorption or enhance elimination of toxins is limited to a relatively small number of specific agents. Antidotes and certain interventions may be helpful in preventing or treating toxicity in specific poisonings when used appropriately. Intensive supportive care is also necessary to achieve good outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the indications and limitations of current interventions for poisonings and overdoses is important for care of the critically ill poisoned patient.
Zimmerman
Janice L
JL
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000506:poisoning; D000438:Alcohols / Q000506:poisoning; D000661:Amphetamine / Q000506:poisoning; D000700:Analgesics / Q000506:poisoning; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000506:poisoning; D002249:Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018678:Cholinergic Agents / Q000506:poisoning; D003042:Cocaine / Q000506:poisoning; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000506:poisoning; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000506:poisoning; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000438:Alcohols; D000700:Analgesics; D000931:Antidotes; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D018678:Cholinergic Agents; D007306:Insecticides; D018020:Lithium Compounds; D028321:Plant Preparations; D002606:Charcoal; D000661:Amphetamine; D003042:Cocaine