Core Information Introduction Links to specific poisoning information - see monographs: Drugs by class, by name Chemicals Natural toxins, plants by name, snakes by name Epidemiology History Past medical history Previous self-poisonings Other drug use Source of medication Suicidal intent Time and type of exposure Physical examination Investigations Arterial blood gases Blood glucose Drug concentrations ECG Electrolytes, creatinine, liver function tests Urinary drug screen Information regarding toxicity Differential diagnosis Acidosis The anticholinergic syndrome Bradyarrhythmias Hallucinations/delirium Hypotension and bradycardia Multiorgan failure Seizures The sympathomimetic syndrome Tachyarrhythmias Unconsciousness Management of patients refusing treatment Treatment Decontamination Activated charcoal Emesis Gastric lavage Whole bowel irrigation (lavage) Enhancing elimination Alkaline diuresis & ion trapping Charcoal haemoperfusion Haemodialysis Repeated doses of activated charcoal Whole bowel irrigation Supportive treatment Anticoagulation Intubation and ventilation Nursing care Thiamine Specific complications Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Aspiration pneumonia Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest Delirium Paralytic Ileus Status epilepticus Drug and alcohol assessment & counselling