Question Of The Day

A recent prospective study found that this drug is effective in reducing acute pain in patients suffering from painful snake envenomations in West Africa. Ketamine. According to the cited reference, “An initial weight-based median dose of 5 mg of ketamine (2.5–15 mg) was administered IV…

What is the toxin contained in this plant? Aconite is found in the plant, Monkshood (Aconitum napellus). Aconite is a sodium channel opener and typically causes GI symptoms, paresthesias, bradycardia, and hypotension after exposure. https://www.poison.org/articles/why-is-monkshood-considered-a-poison–174

What gas is responsible for silo filler’s disease? Nitrogen dioxide. As a low water solubility gas, nitrogen dioxide typically causes pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome without significant upper airway symptoms. Lowry T. Silo-filler’s disease; a syndrome caused by nitrogen dioxide. JAMA 1956;162(3):153-160. doi:10.1001/jama.1956.02970200001001…

What toxin is responsible for toxicity associated with mushrooms mistaken for true morels (Morchella spp.)? Gyromitrin found in false morels (Gyromitra esculenta). Gyromitrin is metabolized to monomethylhydrazine which inhibits pyridoxal phosphokinase, thereby preventing the activation of pyridoxine to pyridoxal 5-phosphate, a required cofactor for glutamic…

What is the mechanism of cicutoxin? Non-competitive GABA inhibition causing seizures. Cicutoxin is found in water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii), a member of the Apiaceae family of plants. Schep LJ, et al. Poisoning due to water hemlock, Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 47:4, 270-278, DOI: 10.1080/15563650902904332  

Wild carrot (Daucus carota) may be mistaken for which poisonous plant? Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). Both plants are in the Apiaceae family, however poison hemlock contains coniine which causes toxicity similar to nicotine. https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/poison-hemlock

Tea-pads have a rich history in drug lore of years gone by. What was a tea-pad? A room where marijuana was sold to paying customers to be consumed on-site. (Much like a speakeasy for alcohol during prohibition). https://pointshistory.com/2015/05/14/finding-the-tea-pad-the-social-spaces-of-casual-marijuana-use/ Submitted by: Michael Hodgman, MD on behalf…

Which substance was responsible for causing the “Epping Jaundice” outbreak of 1965? 4,4′-methylenedianiline (MDA) During February 1965, an outbreak of jaundice occurred in the Epping district of Essex, first identified in a medical student. In total, 84 cases were identified, which were later confirmed as…

A chemical reaction between formic and sulfuric acid would produce what products? Carbon monoxide and water. Lin PT, Dunn WA. Suicidal carbon monoxide poisoning by combining formic acid and sulfuric acid within a confined space. J Forensic Sci. 2014 Jan;59(1):271-3. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.12297. Epub 2013 Dec…

Providers should be extremely cautious when giving patients British Anti-Lewisite (B.A.L.) with what type of allergy? Peanut allergy Kosnett MJ. The role of chelation in the treatment of arsenic and mercury poisoning. J Med Toxicol. 2013 Dec;9(4):347-54. doi: 10.1007/s13181-013-0344-5. PMID: 24178900; PMCID: PMC3846971. Submitted by:…