One Pill Can Kill

Did you know that a single tablet from the medicine cabinet or ingestion of a teaspoon of a liquid  household product can potentially cause morbidity and even death in a child? 

 

Dr. Jennifer Tucker, a Pediatric Emergency Physician, joins Dr. Rebecca Yang and Pediatric Resident James Davis to discuss the evaluation and management for specific common but dangerous household medications and substances in the household.  

• Review the basic assessment skills and evaluation for a child presenting with a potential toxic ingestion 
• Discuss the role of decontamination, diagnostic options, treatment and monitoring for toxic ingestions 
• Medications reviewed: Calcium Channel Blockers, Clonidine, Oral Hypoglycemics 
• Household products reviewed are those that contain toxic alcohols, benzocaine, Imidazoline, Camphor, and methylsalycylate 
• Anticipatory guidance to families regarding potential exposure/ingestion  

 Special thanks to Dr. George Hsu and Dr. Eric Ring for peer reviewing this episode. 

 

Check out our website for detailed show-notes: https://www.augusta.edu/mcg/pediatrics/residency/podcast.php

Questions, comments, or feedback? Please email us at mcgpediatricpodcast@augusta.edu 

 

References:

1. Deadly Pediatric Poisons: Nine Common Agents that Kill at Low Doses. MichaelJB, Sztajnkrycer MD. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2004;22(4):1019–1050
2. Toxic Ingestions: Initial Management. Courtney W. Mangus, Therese L. Canares. Pediatrics in Review Apr 2018, 39 (4) 219-221
3. Tucker MD, Jennifer. "One Pill (Or Sip) Can Kill." MCG Pediatric Grand Rounds Presentation. Augusta, Georgia. July 15,2016.