Hypoglycemics Plant Poisoning Medication
- Author: Jennifer Coles Schecter, MD; Chief Editor: Asim Tarabar, MD more...
Medication Summary
Supportive treatment with glucose, fluid, and electrolyte replacement is the mainstay of therapy. Antiemetics are used to control vomiting, and benzodiazepines are used to control seizures. Supplemental carnitine may be considered, although it has not been studied in this context.
GI decontaminant
Class Summary
These agents are used to adsorb toxin in the GI tract, limiting systemic adsorption.
Activated charcoal (Liqui-Char)
Emergency treatment in poisoning caused by drugs and chemicals. Network of pores present in activated charcoal adsorbs 100-1000 mg of drug per gram of charcoal. Does not dissolve in water.
For maximum effect, administer as soon as possible after ingesting poison.
Nutrients
Class Summary
Dextrose is used to reverse hypoglycemia. Carnitine, an amino acid derivative, is synthesized from methionine and lysine and is required in energy metabolism. It can promote excretion of excess fatty acids in patients with defects in fatty acid metabolism or specific organic acidopathies that bioaccumulate acyl CoA esters.
Dextrose (D-glucose)
Monosaccharide absorbed from the intestine and then distributed, stored, and used by the tissues.
Parenterally injected dextrose is used in patients unable to sustain adequate oral intake. Direct oral absorption results in a rapid increase in blood glucose concentrations.
Dextrose is effective in small doses, and no evidence exists that it may cause toxicity. Concentrated dextrose infusions provide higher amounts of glucose and increased caloric intake in a small volume of fluid.
Levocarnitine (Carnitor)
May facilitate transport of fatty acids into mitochondria. Carnitine has been used successfully in treatment of chronic valproate toxicity associated with hyperammonemia. Chronic valproate toxicity is thought to inhibit carnitine-dependent transfer of fatty acids from cytosol into mitochondria for beta-oxidation.
Somatostatin analogs
Class Summary
These agents are used to reduce blood levels of GH glucagon and VIP peptides.
Octreotide (Sandostatin)
Acts primarily on somatostatin receptor subtypes II and V. Inhibits GH secretion and has a multitude of other endocrine and nonendocrine effects, including inhibition of glucagon, VIP, and GI peptides. Inhibits insulin release.
Antianxiety Agent
Class Summary
Benzodiazepines may be used to treat seizures.
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Sedative hypnotic with short onset of effects and relatively long half-life.
By increasing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, may depress all levels of CNS, including limbic and reticular formation.
Important to monitor patient's blood pressure after administering dose. Adjust as necessary.
Antiemetics
Class Summary
Antiemetics may be used to control severe and persistent vomiting. Agents in this class may also prevent nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Selective 5-HT3-receptor antagonist that blocks serotonin both peripherally and centrally. Prevents nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy (eg, high-dose cisplatin) and complete body radiotherapy.
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Stimulates motility of the upper GI tract. Dopamine antagonist that stimulates acetylcholine release in the myenteric plexus. Acts centrally on chemoreceptor triggers in the floor of the fourth ventricle, providing important antiemetic activity.
Granisetron (Kytril)
At chemoreceptor trigger zone, blocks serotonin peripherally on vagal nerve terminals and centrally.
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