Question

List down the primary methods to prevent continued absorption of an oral poison.

Answer 1

In adults , gastric aspiration and lavage (stomach wash) are done if the patient has ingested the poison to minimise the continued absorption.

In children, emesis will be induced by giving a syrup of ipecacuanha.

The absorption of any residue remaining after the lavage can be minimised by leaving a high dose of activated charcoal in stomach

Repeated oral administration of activated charcoal is effective for the elimination of certain poison.

Antidote can also be used in certain cases. But antidote are available only for limited poisons.

Active elimination therapy includes :

Repeated oral activated charcoal.

Forced diuresis

Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis

Haemoperfusion.