Toxicology
Browse 25 topics in toxicology.
Acute Liver Failure
Key Facts The Definition Triad : 1. Acute onset (less than 26 weeks), 2. Coagulopathy (INR ≥1.5), 3. Encephalopathy. The "Killer" Mechanism : Cerebral oedema leading to brainstem herniation is the most common cause of...
Acute Poisoning - General Approach
Acute poisoning is exposure to a toxic substance causing harm through ingestion, inhalation, injection, or dermal contac... MRCEM exam preparation.
Alcohol Withdrawal in ICU
Compare symptom-triggered vs fixed-schedule benzodiazepine protocols (evidence, dosing, advantages)... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Australian Marine Envenomation
Immediate vinegar (4-6% acetic acid) for ALL jellyfish stings - inactivates undischarged nematocysts... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case e
Australian Snake Envenomation
Pressure Immobilisation Bandage (PIB) - DO NOT REMOVE until antivenom ready... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Australian Spider Envenomation
Funnel-web: Pressure Immobilisation Bandaging (PIB) immediately, CSL Funnel-Web Spider Antivenom, ICU admission... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part
Benzodiazepine Overdose
Understanding the pharmacological basis of benzodiazepine toxicity, recognition of high-risk scenarios (particularly opioid co-ingestion), and appreciation of the risks associated with antidote administration are...
Benzodiazepine Overdose
Benzodiazepine overdose causes CNS depression ranging from mild sedation to coma, typically described as "coma with stab... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Beta-Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose
ABCDE, high-flow O₂, secure large-bore IV access (2 x 14G)... CICM Primary Written, CICM Fellowship Written exam preparation.
Beta-Blocker Overdose
Beta-blocker overdose represents a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency characterized by profound bradycardia, hypo... MRCP, FRACP exam preparation.
Brown Snake Envenomation
Brown snakes (Pseudonaja species) are responsible for the majority of snakebite deaths in Australia. The venom contains ... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose
Calcium channel blocker (CCB) overdose is a potentially lethal cardiovascular poisoning characterized by profound bradycardia, hypotension, cardiogenic shock, and metabolic derangements including hyperglycaemia....
Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide Poisoning
100% oxygen via non-rebreather or intubation (reduces CO half-life from 4-5 hours to 60-90 minutes)... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case ex
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a leading cause of fatal poisoning worldwide, resulting from inhalation of CO gas which binds haemoglobin with 200-250 times greater affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhaemoglobin...
Cocaine Toxicity
Presynaptic Catecholamine Reuptake Inhibition: Blocks reuptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin in synaptic ... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Ethanol Toxicity
Ethanol toxicity ranges from mild intoxication to life-threatening withdrawal, hypoglycaemia, and Wernicke encephalopath... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Organophosphate and Carbamate Poisoning
Decontamination: Remove clothing, copious water irrigation (staff PPE mandatory)... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Organophosphate Poisoning
Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is a life-threatening toxicological emergency resulting from exposure to insecticides (ag... MRCP, FRCA exam preparation.
Organophosphate Poisoning
Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is a medical emergency requiring immediate antidotal therapy with atropine and pralidoxim... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Overdose
Assess risk: Time of ingestion, dose ingested, coingestants, chronic use... CICM Final Written, CICM Final Viva exam preparation.
Paraquat Poisoning
Paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridylium) is a highly toxic bipyridyl herbicide with 60-90% mortality. Toxicity results... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Primary V
Serotonin Syndrome and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Serotonin Syndrome (SS) and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) are serious, potentially life-threatening drug-induced hyperthermic syndromes characterised by Hyperthermia, Altered Mental Status, Autonomic...
Toxic Alcohol Poisoning (Methanol & Ethylene Glycol)
Toxic alcohol poisoning encompasses the ingestion of methanol and ethylene glycol, two substances that undergo hepatic metabolism via alcohol dehydrogenase to produce highly toxic organic acid metabolites. Methanol is...
Tricyclic Antidepressant Overdose
Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose is a life-threatening toxicological emergency requiring immediate recognition and aggressive management. TCAs remain a significant cause of poisoning-related morbidity and...
Weedkiller (Paraquat) Poisoning
Redox cycling mechanism: Paraquat is reduced intracellularly to a free radical, then re-oxidised by oxygen, producing... ACEM Primary Written, ACEM Fellowshi