Toxicology Clinical Background

Background

Poisoned patients represent >2% of patients presenting to the ED and 5% of admissions. National UK figures demonstrate that mortality is 1% of admitted patients. Total deaths 2500 per year. Most due to opiates, then Paracetamol (up to 500 per year) then tricyclics (mainly Dothiepin).

Links

Detailed toxicology information is available at:

• TOXBASE (Check Doctors Duty Room and Nurses station PCs for login details) (Toxbase email)
• Phone at The National Poisons Information Service
• The eBNF is also available on line