Poisonings and Overdoses

I and accidental poisonings and substance abuse can result in the need for critical care support. In many cases, only supportive care is necessary until the effects of the toxin diminish. However, some poisonings require specific antidotes or interventions to decrease morbidity and mortality. General management principles of poisonings and substance abuse that are pertinent to intensive care management are presented, as well as interventions for specific overdoses that the intensivist is likely to encounter. Little evidence-based information is available and current recommendations are based on animal data, volunteer studies, case reports, pharmacologic data, and/or consensus opinion.