National Poisons Information

In a 1980 review there were 68 cases of trazodone overdosage in amounts ranging up to 5 g (12 times the maximum therapeutic dose) (32). The predominant symptoms were drowsiness, dizziness, and rarely coma. There were no deaths in patients who took trazodone alone, and only two in those who took it in combination with other potentially lethal drugs. A brief review of data obtained from 46 cases of trazodone overdose reported to the National Poisons Information Service in London showed that 25 of the patients took overdoses of trazodone alone, while 21 took trazodone in combination with other drugs (33). This retrospective questionnaire study had inherent methodological flaws, but it did lend credence to the belief that trazodone is safe in overdose. 

Of 524 inquiries received by the National Poisons Information Service concerning new neuroleptic drugs over 9 months, only 45 cases involved overdose with a single agent (olanzapine, n = 10 clozapine, n = 8 ... 

In a retrospective analysis of all cases of hyponatremia associated with ecstasy (SEDA-25, 37) at the London Centre of the National Poisons Information Service from December 1993 to March 1996,17 patients were identified with a serum sodium concentration under 130 (range 107-128 mmol/1) (96). In 10, ecstasy was identified analytically, and six of them had SIADH. The clinical presentation was very consistent, with initial vomiting and delirium, and 11 had seizures. There was complete recovery in 14, but two died of cerebral edema 5 hours after ingestion. 

Dr Karalliedde was formerly Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Anaesthetist at the United Medical Dental Schools of Guy s St Thomas Hospitals, London, UK and Medical Toxicologist at Guy s Poisons Unit and National Poisons Information Service, Guy s St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. 

Euripidou, E., MacLehose, R., Fletcher, A. (2004). An investigation into the short term and medium term health impacts of personal incapacitant sprays. A follow up of patients reported to the National Poisons Information Service (London). Emerg. Med. J. 21 548-52. 

Of 524 inquiries received by the National Poisons Information Service concerning new neuroleptic drugs over 9 months, only 45 cases involved overdose with a single agent (olanzapine, n — 10 clozapine, n — 8 risperidone, n — 10 sulpiride, n = 16) (503). There were no deaths or cases of convulsions. Cardiac dysrhythmias occurred only with sulpiride. Symptoms were most marked with clozapine most patients had agitation, dystonia, central nervous system depression, and tachycardia. Most of the patients who had taken risperidone were asymptomatic. 

From prospective data (74,77), it has been estimated that around 58 000 people take paracetamol in overdose each year in England and Wales and that these episodes of poisoning prompted 3.3% of inquiries to US regional poisons centers (78), 10% of inquiries to the UK National Poisons Information Service (79), and up to 43% of all admissions to hospital with self-poisoning in the UK (80). Despite the availability of effective antidotes for patients who seek medical intervention early after an overdose, in the USA paracetamol alone accounted for 4.1% of deaths from poisoning reported to American poison centers in 1997 (78). 

UK National Poisons Information Service. National guidelines management of acute paracetamol poisoning. Paracetamol Information Centre in collaboration with the British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine. 1995. 

Agranulocjdosis of short duration was described after an overdose of sulindac 12 g (48). Eight cases of suhndac overdose have been reported to the UK National Poisons Information Service aU the patients remained asjmptomatic (SEDA-9, 89). 

National Poisons Information Service (1997). Aluminium oxide. http //www.intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/alumoxde/ ukpid33.htm (accessed 25 April 2005). 

For more information or to join the EAPCCT contact EAPCCT General Secretary, National Poison Information Service, Guy s St. Thomas Hospital Trust, Medical Toxicology Unit, Avonley Road, London SE14 5ER, U.K. Tel. 44-207-771-5310, Fax 44-207-771-5309, E-mail alex.campbell gstt.sthames.nhs.uk, Web site www.eapcct.org. 

National Poisons Information Service and West Midlands Poisons Unit, Birmingham, UK... 

Edentox Associates, Pinehurst, Four Elms Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 6AQ, UK National Poisons Information Service (Birmingham Centre) and West Midlands Poisons Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham B18 7QH, UK Lancashire School of Health and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK... 

National Poisons Information Service (Birmingham Centre) and West Midlands Poison Unit, City Hospital, Birmingham,... 

Enquiries to the New Zealand National Poisons Information Centre concerning pesticide poisoning exposures accounted for 15% of total telephone enquiries for the year ended June 1993 (see Table 27.1). The breakdown of enquiries with respect to type of agricultural agent is shown in Table 27.2 [10]. 

Health Protection Agency (incorporating the Public Health Laboratory Agency and National Poisons Information Service) and the Environment Agency. In Scotland this role is taken by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. 

Health Protection Team and seeking expert advice from support agencies such as the HPA National Poisons Information Service or HPA Chemical Hazards and Poisons Division. 

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