Dantrolene for Malignant Hyperthermia

2016-10-13T18:16:21-05:00April 6th, 2015|Pharmacology, Safety, Toxicology|

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening reaction to volatile anesthetics and the neuromuscular blocking agent succinylcholine, which results in high body temperatures. Dantrolene counters the reaction by blocking the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and reducing the intracellular calcium.

Dinitrophenol Poisoning

2016-10-13T18:16:27-05:00November 28th, 2014|Toxicology|

Dinitrophenol uncouples oxidative phosphorylation increasing the metabolic rate which can effectively promote weight loss, but unfortunately it has a narrow therapeutic window and is toxic that can lead to mental status changes, multiorgan failure, and death.

Ammonia Inhalation Injury

2017-09-15T22:28:20-05:00October 14th, 2014|Case, Pulmonary, Toxicology|

Inhalation of noxious gases and fumes, including ammonia, nitric acid, sulfur dioxide, and chlorine gas can cause pulmonary injury including direct toxic effects and secondary ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation and permanent respiratory difficulties.

Physical Exam Clues in Toxicology – Part 2: Skin

2014-10-17T03:11:14-05:00December 18th, 2013|Toxicology|

Diagnosis of the poisoned patient can often be accomplished before toxicologic laboratory tests by obtaining a detailed history and directed physical exam. In this second of three articles, we will examine the toxicology clues revealed by the skin.

Toxicology Board Review

2016-10-13T18:16:37-05:00May 2nd, 2013|Toxicology|

Toxicology can devour a disproportionate amount of studying time in preparation for the boards. Unlike many other subjects however, it lends itself to some word associations and other high value studying. This list has been compiled to facilitate some rapid review.

Levothyroxine Overdose

2013-11-30T00:36:08-06:00February 11th, 2013|Toxicology|

Ingestions of greater than 5000 mcg is considered a potentially toxic dose. Acute overdoses tend to be well tolerated. The symptoms of elevated T4 are not evident until 2-5 days following ingestion. Measured levels do not correlate well with either ingestion amounts or development/sev

Infectious Disease Reading List

2014-10-19T05:21:18-05:00September 15th, 2012|Infectious Disease, Toxicology|

Fascinating list of books that lets you understand the importance infectious diseases have had on the world and how disease have shaped the history of politics, nations, wars, migrations, and culture. Topics include malaria, smallpox, cholera, and more.