Barbiturate toxicity

Background

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

Clinical Features

Mild-moderate toxicity

Severe toxicity

  • Respiratory depression
  • Hypothermia
  • Hypotension (decreased vascular tone)
  • Coma, absence of corneal reflex

Differential Diagnosis

Sedative/hypnotic toxicity

Evaluation

Management

  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

  • Consider discharge if improvement in neuro status / vital signs over 6-8hr
  • Evidence of toxicity after 6hr requires admission

See Also

References

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