Toxicology and Drug Reactions

The hallmark of managing patients with drug toxicities is primarily to assess and treat compromises in airway, breathing, and circulation: intubate and mechanically ventilate patients with respiratory compromise; establish intravenous access, hydrate with intravenous fluids for hypotension; and obtain labs to assess the underlying etiology of the compromise. This chapter provides information on the prevention, prognosis, common pitfalls in diagnosis and management, and treatment algorithms of diseases caused by drug toxicities. Initial treatment of all toxin ingestions should focus on managing airway, breathing, circulation, and neurologic deficits of toxicology. Some patients presenting with severe intoxications can require prolonged ventilation or ICU support. The prognosis depends on the type of ingestion and organ system primarily affected.