Antimony intoxication

Since the early study, a number of papers have appeared in the literature dealing with the use of antimony-based drugs [Glucantime, Triostib] that have been used in several tropical diseases, such as schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis, but not without side effects such as arthralgia or possible antimony intoxication. Many of these articles are based on... 

FIG. 1. Antimony intoxication blood levels and forced excretion in urine. 

Taylor PJ Acute intoxication from antimony trichloride. BrJ Ind Med 23 318-321, 1966... 

It is indicated in metallic intoxication due to arsenic, mercury, gold, bismuth, lead, nickel, thallium and antimony in conjunction with sodium calcium edetate for lead poisoning. It is also useful in hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson s disease). It is contraindicated in iron and cadmium poisoning. 

Most cases of chronic respiratory intoxication result from exposure to airborne particles containing antimony trioxide, Sb20j. The symptoms were reported to be soreness, nosebleeds, rhinitis, pharyngitis, pneumonitis and tracheitis. 

Lead is present in the work atmosphere as fumes, mists (e.g., produced by spray painting) and dust. Inhalation of lead fumes or of fine lead particles is the most important route of absorption in the working atmosphere. Lead poisoning is one of the most common occupational diseases, especially when prevention measures are not established (IPCS 1995). Further metals and their compounds that, among others, are known to cause chronic occupational intoxications at the workplace are antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, manganese, mercury, nickel, thallium, and vanadium (DEG 1972-2001). 

In the case of an intoxication with metallic antimony the effect is not just that of antimony alone but also that of the metals lead and arsenic that almost invariably accompany it [16,17]. 

Gastric lavage should be carried out immediately if oral consumption is suspected. In order to hasten intestinal elimination charcoal tablets should be administered at 4-hr intervals with sodium sulfate as laxative. To activate the antimony the chelating agent Sulfactin must be administered intramuscularly and also about every 4 hr. Chelated antimony is excreted renally and is readily dialyzed. Hence continuous hemodialysis can be carried out if necessary. The administration of Sulfactin must be continued throughout the whole dialysis. The intravenous administration of lasix with a balanced substitution of electrolyte solutions to force diuresis is also promising in cases of very high levels of Sb intoxication [33]. 

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