POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES In treating this important subject, much could be said, but as it might prove confusing, I shall try and condense the information in the smallest possible space and make my suggestions very simple and clear.
In cases of poisoning, one must act quickly and keep cool. If the person affected is unconscious, an empty bot tle or burns upon the mouth may re veal the cause of poisoning.
There are several things to be done in the treatment of poisoning: (I) Eliminate the poison from the stom ach; (2) neutralize the poison by giv ing an antidote; (3) treat the gen eral symptoms produced by the poisoning. Get these three things clear in the mind in acting.
The material is eliminated by being vomited. Vomiting can be induced in the following ways: use mustard and warm water, beginning with a glassful and repeating if necessary. If ipecac is in the house—and it is a good thing to have it about—give about a teaspoonful of sirup of ipecac to child or a tablespoonful to a growh person every few minutes until vomiting is induced. Tickling the throat by inserting the fore finger in it usually brings quick re sults. In irritating poisons, like car bolic or :mercury, it is wise not to produce vomiting, owing to the lac erated condition of the walls of the stomach. In most instances, how ever, it is wise to induce vomiting. Frequently the poison itself pro duces it.
Antidotes.—In nearly all cases of poisoning, olive oil, if available, can be given in large doses, namely, a pint or more, as it neutralizes most poisons except phosphorus. This can be followed by the whites of two eggs. When in doubt, use the oil fol lowed by the eggs.
In giving antidotes, two general principles should be observed: name ly, that acids tend to neutralize alka lies and alkalies neutralize acids.
For poisoning from acids, such as muriatic, oxalic, acetic, sulphuric (oil of vitriol), nitric, or tartaric, use soapsuds, magnesia, limewater, whit ing, plaster scraped from the wall, milk, oil, and baking soda. Also by
vomiting. In feeding the patient, do so by the rectum, as the stomach will be sore.
For poisoning from alkalies, such as ammonia, potash, or soda, use acids as an antidote, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and orange juice, fol lowed by large doses of olive oil, cas tor oil, and emetics.
Another group of poisons are the narcotics. In this class are chloro form, chloral, ether, and tbe opium preparations, such as opium, mor phine, laudanum, paregoric, and soothing sirups. Provide plenty of fresh air, induce artificial breathing, apply ammonia to nostrils, give ca thartics and stimulants, such as cof fee, brandy, and strychnine. Compel the patient to move about. If uncon scious, keep head low.
The following poisons are men tioned specifically with their treat ment: Carbolic Acid and Creosote.—Use powdered chalk, Epsom salts, white of egg, milk, glycerin, and oil. Empty the stomach.
Alcohol Keep the patient active by pinching, slapping with wet towel, or hot and cold douches to head and spine; give plenty of strong coffee; inhale am monia cautiously, and use artificial respiration if unconscious.
Poisonous Mushrooms (Toad Give emetics, castor oil, stimulants, and apply beat. Use same treatment for poisoning caused by eating mussels or fish.
Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade). —This drug is contained in cough mixtures, liniments, ointments, and plasters. Its active principle, atropine, is used in eye ointments and washes.
Treatment. — Give emetics, stimu lants, apply warmth to extremities and mustard plaster to feet. If in sensible, use artificial respiration.
Foxglove emet ics, strong tea, apply mustard plaster over the heart and calves of the legs, and give stimulants.
Phosphorus.—Poisoning frequently occurs as the result of sucking or swallowing the heads of matches.
emetics, followed by magnesia, white of egg, and olive oil.
Zinc.—Bicarbonate of soda (bak ing powder) in water, milk, eggs, strong tea, or warm drinks.