Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 Mar 1;27(2):147-154.
doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000001013. Epub 2024 Jan 17.

Metabolic management of accidental intoxication

Khalid Khatib  1 , Subhal Dixit  2 , Madhavi Telang  3
Affiliations
Review

Metabolic management of accidental intoxication

Khalid Khatib et al. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Unintentional intoxication comprises a major chunk of all intoxications. Most patients are in the pediatric age group with another set of patients being the elderly. Substances found to cause accidental intoxication vary from country to country and even within different regions of a country. Frequent reviews of current literature are needed to be abreast of trends.

Recent findings: Prescription drugs and household chemicals are major culprits when it comes to accidental intoxication. Acetaminophen, digoxin and metformin are some of the prominent prescription drugs frequently associated with unintentional intoxications. Increasingly alcohol based hand sanitizers are becoming an important etiology of these events, following their increased usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pattern recognition to identify class of intoxicant and supportive care including prevention of further absorption and increased excretion are cornerstones of therapy. Antidote when available should be used promptly.

Summary: Knowledge about current epidemiology of accidental intoxications, toxidrome pattern recognition and appropriate antidote usage beside adequate and timely supportive care help in successful management of the unfortunate victim of accidental intoxication.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Unintentional drug poisoning in the United States. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/medicationsafety/pdfs/cdc_5538_ds1.pdf .
    1. Gupta PK. Chapter 2 − Definitions and scope of toxicology. Fundamentals of toxicology. Gupta PK, editor. Academic. 2016. pp. 9−17. ISBN 9780128054260.
    1. Kim HS, Feinglass J, McCarthy DM, et al. Unintentional opioid overdose death characteristics in illinois before and during the COVID-19 era, 2017 to 2020. JAMA Health Forum 2021; 2:e213699.
    1. Mehamha H, Doudka N, Minodier P, et al. Unintentional cannabis poisoning in toddlers: a one year study in Marseille. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 325:110858.
    1. Crescioli G, Lanzi C, Gambassi F, et al. Exposures and suspected intoxications during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: preliminary results from an Italian poison control centre. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:535–540.