ABC of poisoning. Eliminating poisons.

Abstract

Most poisoned patients recover with little more than nursing care, though about 10% will need intensive support to maintain vital functions. Infewer than 5% ofcases, however, are methods to increase poison elimination either feasible or appropriate. Such techniques should as far as possible be undertaken only by those experienced in their use. Moreover, these methods are oflittle value in patients who have ingested drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants which are highly tissue bound.