Identification, Prevention and Treatment of Drug Toxicity in the Primary Care Settings
Abrar Abdulfattah Al Yamani *
Obhur Primary Health Care Center, King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Faisal Musaad Alhoshan
Department of Family Medicine, Prince Sultan Military Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
Ali Salem Alhamidah
Department of Anasthesia, King Khalid Hospital, Hail, Saudi Arabia.
Ghada Saleh Albalawi
Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Maternity and Children Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Saeed Abdullah Almalki
Department of Emergency Medicine, Al-Lith General Hospital, Al-Lith, Saudi Arabia.
Asrar Abdalh Alanazi
College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah Mohammed Alassiri
College of Medicine, Almaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz Saud Alasmari
Department of Family Medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Jubail, Saudi Arabia.
Aqeelh Mohammed Albaharna
Primary Healthcare Center, Ministry of Health, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
Anwaar Saud Aloufi
College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Arwa Abdulmajid Hussain
College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Studies from global countries indicate that poisoning is a common etiology for morbidities and associated mortality. Most of the cases did not require medical intervention as they were treated at home. However, around one-fourth required management at a healthcare facility. In addition to the healthcare burdens, evidence indicates that these events also have significant economic burdens on the affected patients and healthcare facilities. The present literature review provided evidence regarding the proper ways to identify patients presenting with suspected medication poisoning and the recommended management approaches. Obtaining a complete history from the patient should be the first step that can lead to diagnostic clues. Then, a thorough examination should be provided, followed by relevant imaging and laboratory studies to confirm the diagnosis. Management might be supportive in many cases, and an antidote can enhance the treatment process. Approaches should also be conducted to achieve decontamination and enhance the elimination of the affected patients.
Keywords: Poisoning, drug toxicity, toxicology, management, diagnosis