Description
Over-ingestion of a drug that can be intentional or accidental. The symptoms and signs of the intoxication as well as the history surrounding the event can be used to determine the offending drug.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the drug used. Common symptoms sedation, overstimulation, or changes in body temperature (high or low).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Urine and/or serum toxicology testing, blood tests and an EKG may also be performed.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine or serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Urine and/or serum toxicology testing, blood tests and an EKG may also be performed.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Urine or serum toxicology screen
Specialists:
Medical Toxicology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the drug ingested. Most overdoses require only supportive measures although a few have antidotes that can be lifesaving when administered in a timely fashion.