Recognition, General Considerations, and Techniques in the Management of Drug Intoxications

This article reviews general issues involved in the assessment & treatment of drug intoxications. Assessment involves history taking, physical & mental status examinations, & drug identification. Treatment techniques discussed include: gastric lavage, adsorption methods, hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, osmotic diuresis, & acid/alkaline diuresis. Psychiatric evaluation of all persons who overdose is recommended. (KSD)