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Questions and Answers
What type of interaction occurs when the combined effect of two substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects?
What type of interaction occurs when the combined effect of two substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects?
How does the pH of the stomach affect aspirin toxicity?
How does the pH of the stomach affect aspirin toxicity?
In which condition would you expect to see a decreased metabolism of poisons?
In which condition would you expect to see a decreased metabolism of poisons?
What is the relationship between hypersensitivity and drug response?
What is the relationship between hypersensitivity and drug response?
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In individuals with G6PD deficiency, what type of toxic reaction occurs when exposed to certain drugs?
In individuals with G6PD deficiency, what type of toxic reaction occurs when exposed to certain drugs?
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What does forensic toxicology primarily focus on?
What does forensic toxicology primarily focus on?
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Which two figures are considered pivotal in the history of toxicology?
Which two figures are considered pivotal in the history of toxicology?
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Which of the following forms of toxins is NOT classified as a gaseous substance?
Which of the following forms of toxins is NOT classified as a gaseous substance?
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What generally increases the severity of toxic symptoms from a particular poison?
What generally increases the severity of toxic symptoms from a particular poison?
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Which organ is primarily targeted by CNS depressants?
Which organ is primarily targeted by CNS depressants?
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Which factor is NOT mentioned as modifying toxic effects?
Which factor is NOT mentioned as modifying toxic effects?
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Which type of poison is characterized by having both local and remote sites of action?
Which type of poison is characterized by having both local and remote sites of action?
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What is the absorption rate of gases compared to solids and liquids?
What is the absorption rate of gases compared to solids and liquids?
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Study Notes
Forensic Toxicology
- Toxicology is the study of the harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms.
- It includes studying symptoms, mechanisms, treatment, and detecting poisoning, especially in humans.
- The Greek words toxicos (arrow) and logos (study) are roots of the word toxicology
- Paracelsus is considered the father of toxicology
- He stated: "All things are poisons and nothing is without poison, only the dose makes a thing a poison."
Forms of Toxins
- Toxins can be gaseous (e.g., carbon monoxide, cyanide).
- Toxins can be liquid (e.g., household cleaning supplies, alcohol).
- Toxins can be solid (e.g., solid drugs).
Classification of Poisons
- Nature: Poisons can be solid, liquid, or gaseous.
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Site of Action:
- Local: Inorganic corrosives.
- Remote: Alkaloids and most therapeutics.
- Local and remote: Metals and organic corrosives.
Target Organs
- Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulants: Amphetamines and cocaine.
- CNS depressants: Hypnotics, sedatives, narcotics, alcohol, anesthetics.
- Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT): Metals and corrosives.
- Kidneys: Mercury and cadmium.
- Liver: Paracetamol and iron.
- Cardiovascular System (CVS): Digitalis
- Lungs: Metal fumes
Factors Modifying Toxic Effects
- Poison Quantity: Increasing the dose increases the severity of symptoms.
- Poison Quality: Gases are rapidly absorbed more quickly than liquids or solids (and powders faster than lumps) .
- Route of Administration: The way a poison is introduced to the body (e.g., intravenous (IV), inhalation, intramuscular (IM), skin, mucous membrane) affects its absorption.
- Poison Cumulation: The rate of poison intake must be considered alongside the rate of elimination.
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Chemical Interaction:
- Addition: The effect is the sum of the individual effects (e.g., aspirin + paracetamol).
- Synergism: The combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects (e.g., alcohol + barbiturate).
- Antagonism: The effect of one substance counteracts the effect of another substance (e.g., BAL + lead).
Patient Factors
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Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT): The pH of the stomach (acidic) increases the toxin HCl, which increases the toxicity of aspirin; amount of food impacts the absorption, empty stomachs increase toxicity.
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Type of Food: Fatty meals increase absorption of fat-soluble poisons.
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Age: Toxic effects are more severe in extremes of age.
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Health: Underlying health conditions like liver or kidney disease impact the body’s ability to process, metabolize or excrete poisons. Liver diseases decrease metabolism, kidney diseases decrease excretion.
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Toxicogenetics: Abnormal responses to drugs due to genetic factors (e.g., favism with sulphonamides). G6PD Deficiency→Hyltic anemia
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Hypersensitivity: Exaggerated responses to drugs, like those caused by aspirin or penicillin allergies (Ag-Ab reaction).
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Tolerance: Addicts can tolerate higher doses of drugs (like opium, barbiturates, amphetamines) than normal individuals without serious repercussions.
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Description
This quiz explores the fascinating field of forensic toxicology, including the study of toxins, their forms, and classification. Learn about the impact of poisons on living organisms, as well as the contributions of historical figures like Paracelsus. Test your knowledge on central nervous system stimulants and the various nature of poisons.
