Pesticide Poisoning Symptoms and Treatment

For Information only. Seek professional advice if diagnosis or treatment for poisoning is required

Diagram of symptoms and the illnesses poisons can mimic

Organophosphates

 Carbamates

 Chlorinated Hydrocarbons

Irreversible Cholinesterase Inhibitors

 Reversible Cholinesterase Inhibitors

 CNS Depressants and Stimulants
SYMPTOMS OF POISONING
  1. MILD headache, dizziness,
    weakness, anxiety, miosis, impairment
    of visual acuity.
  2. MODERATE.Nausea, salivation,
    Lacrimation, abdominal cramps, vomiting,
    sweating, slow pulse, muscular tremors.
  3. SEVERE Diarrhea, pinpoint and
    non-reactive pupils, respiratory difficulty,
    pulmonary edema, cyanosis, loss of sphincter control, convulsions, coma and death.

 Constriction of pupils,
Salivation,
Profuse sweating
Lassitude,
Muscle incoordination,
Nausea,
Vomiting,
Diarrhea,
Epigastric pain,
Tightness in chest 		Nausea
Vomiting
Restlessness
Tremor
Apprehension
Convulsions
Coma
Respiratory Failure
Death
ANTIDOTES ANTIDOTES TREATMENTS
  1. Adults - After cyanosis is overcome
    use Atropine sulfate, 2.4 mg intravenously.
    Repeat Dose at 5 to 10 minute intervals until signs of atropinisation appear.
    Maintain for 24 hours or longer if necessary.
  2. Children - Atropine sulfate in proportion
    to body weight:- app.0.05 mg kg.
  3. Support atropine treatment with 2-PAM
    (Pralidoxime chloride)
    a. Adult dose: 1gm slowly intravenously.
    b. Infants: 0.25 gm, slowly intravenously.
  NOTE: Contraindicated are morphine,
  aminophylline, theophylline, phenothiazine
  tranquilizers and barbituates.
  1. Adults - After cyanosis is overcome
    use Atropine sulfate, 2.4 mg intravenously.
    Repeat Dose at 5 to 10 minute intervals until signs of atropinisation appear.
    Maintain for 24 hours or longer if necessary.

  2. Children - Atropine sulfate in proportion
    to body weight:- approximately. 0.05 mg kg.

    3. NOTE. 2-PAM is contraindicated in carbamate insecticide poisoning.
    Also avoid morphine, aminophylline, theophylline, phenothiazine tranquilizers and barbituates.
  1. Gastric lavage with 2.4 L. tap water.
    Catharsis with 30 gm.(10 oz) sodium sulfate in one cup of water.

  2. Barbiturates in appropriate dosages repeated as necessary for restlessness and convulsions.

  3. Avoid oils, oil laxatives and epinephrine (Adrenaline)
    Do not give stimulants.

  4. Give calcium gluconate (10% in 10 ml. ampules) intravenously every 4 hours.

Dated 16/9/2000

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