Drugs

DRUG POISONING OR OVERDOSE

Recognition:

ASPIRIN

• Upper abdominal pain
• Confusion and delirium
• Nausea and vomiting
•  Sighing when breathing
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness

PARACETAMOL

• Developing abdominal pains
• Nausea and vomiting

TRANQUILLISERS

• Lethargy, sleepiness leading to unresponsiveness
• Shallow breathing
• Weak, irregular pulse

NARCOTICS

• Small pupils
• Slow shallow breathing
• Sluggishness and confusion
• Weak, irregular pulse

SOLVENTS

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Headaches
• Unresponsive

STIMULANTS

• • Excitable, hyperactive behaviour
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Hallucinations

GENERAL TREATMENT

• Call for an ambulance immediately
• Place into the safe airway position
• Keep any evidence of the poison
• Monitor breathing and be prepared to perform CPR