Toxicology

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toxin

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any chemical (drug, poison, or other) that causes adverse effects on an organism
that is exposed to it; any poisonous chemical secreted by bacteria or released following
destruction of the bacteria.

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toxicology

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study of the detection, chemistry, pharmacological actions, and antidotes of
toxic substances.

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organophosphates

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phosphorus-containing organic pesticides.

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decontamination

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the process of minimizing toxicity by reducing the amount of toxin
absorbed into the body.

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gastric lavage

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removing an ingested poison by repeatedly filling and emptying the
stomach with water or saline via a gastric tube; also known as “pumping the stomach.”

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activated charcoal

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a powder, usually premixed with water, that will adsorb (bind) some
poisons and help prevent them from being absorbed by the body.

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whole bowel irrigation

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administration of polyethylene glycol continuously at 1–2 L/hr
through a nasogastric tube until the effluent is clear or objects are recovered.

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antidote

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a substance that will neutralize a specific toxin or counteract its effect on the
body.

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toxidrome

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a toxic syndrome; a group of typical signs and symptoms consistently
associated with exposure to a particular type of toxin.

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acid

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a substance that liberates hydrogen ions (H_) when in solution.

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alkali

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a substance that liberates hydroxyl ions (OH_) when in solution; a strong base.

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therapeutic index

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the maximum tolerated dose divided by the minimum curative close
of a drug; the range between curative and toxic dosages; also called therapeutic window.

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enterotoxin

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an exotoxin that produces gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases such as
food poisoning.

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exotoxin

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a soluble poisonous substance secreted during growth of a bacterium.

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substance abuse

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use of a pharmacological substance for purposes other than medically
defined reasons.

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addiction

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compulsive and overwhelming dependence on a drug; an addiction may be
physiological, psychological, or both.

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tolerance

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the need to progressively increase the dose of a drug to reproduce the effect
originally achieved by smaller doses.

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withdrawal

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referring to alcohol or drug withdrawal in which the patient’s body reacts
severely when deprived of the abused substance.

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drug overdose

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poisoning from a pharmacological substance in excess of that usually
prescribed or that the body can tolerate.

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delirium tremens (DTs)

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disorder found in habitual and excessive users of alcoholic
beverages after cessation of drinking for 48–72 hours. Patients experience visual, tactile,
and auditory disturbances. Death may result in severe cases.