Podcast #494: A Standard Toxicology Approach

Obtaining collateral is often vital to determine the potential drugs accessible to the patient - this may include

After this, use ancillary sources such as EMS, family/friends, and police to determine the patient's last normal, PMH and medications

To help separate toxidromes, pupillary exam and skin exam are helpful

Important physical exam clues in toxicology include the pupils and the skin

Adjunct laboratory evaluation may include liver function tests, acetaminophen level, salicylate levels, urine drug screens, particularly in unknown ingestions

Your local toxicologist (if you are fortunate to have one) or the Poison Center can always provide assistance in treatment and workup - consider involving them early