Drug poisoning is a condition caused by errors in the use of drugs, both excessive doses and errors in combining drugs. Symptoms and how to treat drug poisoning can differ depending on the type of drug consumed.
Drug poisoning usually occurs in patients who consume more than one type of drug so that it experiences the effects of drug interactions, in elderly patients, children, or people who have psychiatric problems. Drug poisoning can also occur if someone takes medicine accompanied by drinks or food that can make the drug into a toxic compound, such as alcohol.
In addition, some people may be more sensitive to certain substances in the drug, so even a normal dose can cause poisoning.
Symptoms of Drug Poisoning
Symptoms of drug poisoning can vary depending on the type and dose of the drug consumed, and the person's health condition when taking the drug. Symptoms of drug poisoning are also often side effects of the drug, but with a higher severity.
Some common symptoms that can occur in someone who is experiencing drug poisoning are as follows:
- Indigestion, such as nausea, vomiting or vomiting of blood, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding in the digestive tract.
- Chest pain.
- Faster heartbeat (palpitations).
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Dizziness or headache.
- Convulsions.
- Decreased awareness, even to coma.
- Bluish skin or lips.
- Lost balance.
- Confusion or anxiety.
- Hallucinations.
As said before, the symptoms of drug poisoning can be different, according to the type of drug that causes poisoning. For example, someone who is opioid drug poisoning will experience symptoms and clinical signs such as shrinking pupils, slowed breathing, weakness, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, and becoming less alert.
While paracetamol poisoning can cause symptoms of drowsiness, seizures, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, liver damage, to coma. Excess doses of paracetamol are very dangerous, and usually only appear three days after the drug is consumed.
First Aid in Drug Poisoning
If someone experiences drug poisoning, immediately contact an ambulance or take it to the nearest hospital, so that treatment can be given as soon as possible. While waiting for medical help to arrive, things you can do are:
- Check the pulse, breathing patterns, and respiratory tract. Perform cardiac pulmonary resuscitation or CPR, which is artificial breathing and pressure on the chest, if the patient does not respond when called, do not breathe, do not hear the heartbeat, and do not feel the pulse.
- Do not allow or order sufferers to vomit, unless medical personnel advise so.
- If the patient vomits on his own, immediately wrap your hands in a cloth, then clean the airway (throat and mouth) of the person from vomit.
- Before paramedics arrive, lay the patient's body facing to the left, and make the patient in a quite comfortable position.
- Do not give sufferers any food or drink that is considered capable of neutralizing toxins, such as vinegar, milk, or lemon juice.
- If the patient is unconscious, do not give or put anything in his mouth.
It is important for you to pay attention to how to overcome drug poisoning and avoid some of the forbidden things above, so as not to worsen the condition of people with drug poisoning.
After medical assistance comes, explain to the doctor or medical officer, about the drugs taken and symptoms that arise after the patient has been poisoned.
Handling of drug poisoning needs to be done by a doctor in the hospital. Patients with drug poisoning often require hospitalization, so that their condition can be monitored.
If you accidentally mistakenly or take too much medicine, and are concerned about experiencing drug poisoning, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Immediately go to the emergency department at the nearest hospital to get help.
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