Ingestion Tag's Archives
Cathartics and Enemas
Although the use of cathartics and enemas is traditional, these measures are most unlikely to reduce absorption since this usually occurs rapidly in the upper small intestine. They can only add to the misery and discomfort of the patient Efficacy in removal of drug has never been established. In one recent study, saline catharsis had no beneficial effect whatsoever on the absorption of aspirin taken with charcoal (Sketris et al. 1982).
Whole Gut Lavage
One situation where attempts to empty the bowel may be helpful is in poisoning with ’slow’ or ‘timed release’ formulations. The number of such preparations on the market is increasing and since they usually contain a much larger dose of drug than ordinary tablets, intoxication may be severe and prolonged.
Abdominal, Absorption, Aspirin, Bowel, Charcoal, Discomfort, Dose, Effect, Gastric, Ingestion, Intestine, Intoxication, Oral, Saline, Severe, Surgery, Tablet, Treatment
Gastric Aspiration and Lavage
Although unabsorbed drug in the stomach may be removed by gastric aspiration and lavage its usefulness in practice has been seriously questioned (Proudfoot 1984). Most drugs and poisons seem to be absorbed rapidly and this technique is unlikely to be productive more than 4 hours after ingestion, unless gastric emptying has been delayed by opioid analgesics, anticholinergic agents, central nervous system depressants, and possibly salicylates. In such circumstances gastric lavage may be worthwhile up to 12 hours after ingestion.
It is said to be contraindicated after ingestion of corrosives and hydrocarbons such as paraffin because of the risks of perforation and lipoid pneumonia, respectively.
Aspiration, Corrosives, Depress, Effect, Fatal, Gastric, Ingestion, Nervous, Poison, Practice, Residual, Risk, Sensitivity, Sodium, Sulphate, Technique, Toxic, Treatment, Tube
