Barbiturate toxicity: Difference between revisions

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==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
#Mild-moderate toxicity
===Mild-moderate toxicity===
##Resembles ETOH intoxication
*Resembles [[ETOH intoxication]]
#Severe toxicity
 
##Respiratory depression
===Severe toxicity===
##Hypothermia
*Respiratory depression
##Hypotension (decreased vascular tone)
*[[Hypothermia]]
##Coma, absence of corneal reflex
*[[Hypotension]] (decreased vascular tone)
*Coma, absence of corneal reflex


==Treatment==
==Treatment==

Revision as of 18:59, 8 March 2015

Background

  • Death most commonly due to respiratory arrest and CV collapse
  • Assume severe poisoning if >10x hypnotic dose has been ingested

Clinical Features

Mild-moderate toxicity

Severe toxicity

Treatment

  1. Airway assessment and stabilization
    • Mechanical ventilation often required
  2. Hypotension
  3. Hypothermia
    • Rewarming measures
  4. GI Decontamination
  5. Urinary alkalinization
    • Less effective than multi-dose activated charcoal
  6. Dialysis
    • Only effective for phenobarbital (long-acting barb)
    • Reserved for patients who are deteriorating despite aggressive supportive care

Disposition

  1. Consider discharge if improvement in neuro status / VS over 6-8hr
  2. Evidence of toxicity after 6hr requires admission

See Also

Source

  • Tintinalli