The poisoned patient. Toxicologic emergencies

Abstract

Local anesthetics with and without vasoconstrictors, analgesics, antibiotics, and antianxiety medications are used routinely in dentistry. Most agents used in the dental office have a safe therapeutic dose range between effective and toxic so that the potential for adverse reactions is easily ignored. This article discusses toxicity, allergy, idiosyncrasy, drug interactions, local anesthesia, and the use of recreational drugs and alcohol.