Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1998
Case ReportsProlonged formation of methemoglobin following nitroethane ingestion.
Artificial nail removers containing nitroethane pose a serious risk of toxicity when ingested. ⋯ We report 3 cases of children under 3 years of age who developed prolonged methemoglobinemia following ingestions of small quantities of these nitroethane-containing products. Methylene blue therapy reduced the methemoglobin level in all 3 children; however, in 2 of these children methemoglobin levels increased again several hours later and required additional methylene blue. Accurate substance identification is essential for appropriate management of ingestions of fingernail products. The availability of nitroethane products for home use should be questioned.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1998
Case ReportsThe use of pamidronate for hypercalcemia secondary to acute vitamin D intoxication.
Pamidronate disodium, a bone resorption inhibitor through osteoclast mediation, has been used to treat chronic hypercalcemia secondary to malignancy and chronic renal failure. We report the use of pamidronate for acute, severe hypercalcemia secondary to iatrogenic vitamin D poisoning. ⋯ We report a case of the use of pamidronate for significant hypercalcemia secondary to acute vitamin D poisoning. Although evidence of congestive heart failure was evident, dialysis was avoided without significant sequelae. Pamidronate therapy should be considered in patients with hypercalcemia secondary to acute vitamin D poisoning.
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1998
Historical ArticleLove potions and the ointment of witches: historical aspects of the nightshade alkaloids.
Nightshade plants (Solanaceae) have been utilized as hallucinogenic drugs since antiquity in nearly every culture. The Solanaceae alkaloids, atropine and scopolamine, were the active substances in ointment of witches and medieval anesthetics, and in modern poisons. They are still currently used as hallucinogenic drugs. ⋯ Respiratory depression and arrest at high doses confirm the use of scopolamine as a lethal poison. Despite this, the nightshade alkaloids were utilized in clinical medicine in the 19th century. This is an overview of the cultural history of the nightshade alkaloids.