Toxicology

Biography

Biography: P Sampath Kumar

Abstract

For a patient, doctor is equivalent to God and the God is infallible. But that is for patients. In reality, doctors are human beingsrnand to err is human. Public awareness of Medical Negligence is growing in India. Hospital managements are increasinglyrnfacing complaints regarding facilities, standard of professional competence and the appropriateness of their therapeutic andrndiagnostic methods. Highlighting this fact is a case of combined drug intoxication (CDI), also known as multiple drugs in takern(MDI). The reasons for toxicity vary depending on the mixture of drugs. Most victims die after using certain combinationsrnthat suppress breathing, lowers blood oxygen level and causes brain death. Ingestion of alcoholic beverages, in combinationrnwith other drugs, increases the risk of CDI. Analgesics, antihypertensive; multivitamins are the common drugs which arernused in CDI. Easy availability of these drugs has resulted in their abuse. Antihypertensive drugs constitute leading form ofrncardiovascular drug overdose. Among these calcium-channel blockers and beta blockers take the lead. Treating such patientsrnis a great challenge for any treating physician due to the complications that it causes. A multidisciplinary approach is required,rnwherein the physicians from different specialities sit together and discuss regarding the management.