Toxicology and management of acute drug ingestions in adults.

Abstract

We reviewed the current literature on the toxicology and management of acute drug ingestions in adults after a MEDLINE search of English-language journal articles. Information on toxicology was also acquired from relevant textbooks. Present statistics were gathered through information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Association of Poison Control Centers. All patients with acute drug ingestions should be treated with supportive care initially, and when stabilized, undergo active removal of the ingested substance, based on the diagnostic and prognostic assessment. Identification of the ingested substance may prove useful in some instances when specific therapy or antidotes are indicated.