Toxicology and Antidotes

Many drugs each contribute a little, and the total predicts harm

A memory aid for the cumulative effect of anticholinergic drugs.

Each major poison has a specific antidote acting by a defined mechanism

A memory aid for the specific antidotes and their poisons.

Resuscitate, identify, decontaminate, give an antidote, enhance elimination

A memory aid for the general management of poisoning.

Carbon monoxide blocks oxygen carriage; cyanide blocks its use

A memory aid for the two classic poisonings of fire and smoke.

A pulse oximeter reads two wavelengths and can be badly misled

A memory aid for carboxyhaemoglobin, methaemoglobin and the pulse oximeter's blind spots.

The triad of reduced consciousness, respiratory depression and pinpoint pupils

A memory aid for recognising and treating opioid toxicity.

NAPQI depletes glutathione, causing centrilobular necrosis

A memory aid for the mechanism and monitoring of paracetamol toxicity.

A mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, with tinnitus

A memory aid for the features and treatment of aspirin poisoning.

Respiratory alkalosis from central stimulation plus a high anion gap metabolic acidosis

A memory aid for the mixed acid-base picture of aspirin overdose.

Anticholinergic, cholinergic, sympathomimetic, opioid and sedative patterns

A memory aid for the classic poisoning syndromes.

Anticholinergic, cardiac and neurological toxicity together

A memory aid for the features and treatment of tricyclic overdose.