Miscellaneous
Aspirin
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is commonly used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and prevent blood clotting.
Key points:
- Aspirin is usually toxic in overdose quantities (15-30 g)
- Metabolized to salicylic acid which is measured in urine
- Symptoms of toxicity include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression
- Treatment involves supportive care and activated charcoal administration
- Fatal dose is estimated to be 30-60 g
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is commonly used to treat headaches, toothaches, and other minor aches and pains.
Key points:
- Toxicity is rare but overdose can cause severe liver damage
- Acetaminophen is metabolized to a toxic intermediate which is usually detoxified by glutathione
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine) is the antidote for paracetamol poisoning
- Symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Treatment involves administration of NAC and supportive care
Antihistaminics
Antihistamines are medications used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose. They can also be used to treat sleep disorders.
Key points:
- H1 receptor antagonists cause drowsiness
- H2 receptor antagonists cause less drowsiness
- Antihistamines can cause side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and urinary retention
- Overdose can cause confusion, hallucinations, and cardiac arrhythmias
Tranquilizers
Tranquilizers, also known as anxiolytics, are medications used to treat anxiety and stress. They can be classified into barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepines.
Key points:
- Barbiturates are highly addictive and have a narrow therapeutic index
- Benzodiazepines are safer and less addictive than barbiturates
- Non-benzodiazepines have a rapid onset and short duration of action
- Overdose can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression and other mood disorders. They can be classified into tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Key points:
- TCAs can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation
- MAOIs can cause hypertensive crisis when combined with certain foods or medications
- SSRIs are safer and have fewer side effects than TCAs and MAOIs
- Overdose can cause cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and coma
Stimulants
Stimulants are medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They can be classified into central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and non-CNS stimulants.
Key points:
- CNS stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure
- Non-CNS stimulants can cause side effects such as insomnia and anxiety
- Overdose can cause cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and psychosis
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are medications used to induce altered states of consciousness. They can be classified into LSD, psilocybin, and PCP.
Key points:
- LSD can cause hallucinations and altered perception
- Psilocybin can cause hallucinations and changes in mood
- PCP can cause hallucinations and dissociative symptoms
- Overdose can cause psychosis, seizures, and coma
Food poisoning
Food poisoning is a condition caused by the ingestion of contaminated food. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
Key points:
- Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Bacterial food poisoning can be caused by Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli
- Viral food poisoning can be caused by Norovirus and Rotavirus
- Treatment involves supportive care and administration of fluids
Drug dependence
Drug dependence is a condition where an individual becomes physically and psychologically dependent on a substance.
Key points:
- Physical dependence can cause withdrawal symptoms when the substance is stopped
- Psychological dependence can cause cravings and compulsive behavior
- Treatment involves administration of medication and behavioral therapy
- Relapse prevention involves ongoing support and counseling.