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What pills can cause poisoning? Any medications, if used incorrectly, can lead to severe poisoning and intoxication. In severe cases, instant death may occur. This article discusses a fatal overdose of tablets, symptoms of poisoning with various drugs, methods of providing first aid, and components of treatment in a hospital setting.
Causes of drug poisoning
Drug overdose can occur for many reasons. It most often develops in people who take medications without consulting a doctor or change the dosage without permission.
- Below are the main reasons why pill poisoning can develop.
- Self-medication, taking medications not approved by the attending physician. Sometimes people take drugs on the advice of friends, neighbors, or relatives. Taking large doses of the drug in critical or emergency situations
- . For example, when the body temperature rises, people, in an effort to quickly bring it down, drink large doses of medications and combine them with each other. Such uncontrolled use of drugs often leads to fatal poisoning.
- A person taking medications that are contraindicated for him due to his age or health condition. For example, the drug aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is deadly for children, it causes Reye's syndrome in them and leads to rapid death from internal bleeding.
- A fatal overdose of pills can occur in children who have eaten pills left behind by adults. Kids love to taste everything, they are interested in everything. All medications available at home should be kept out of the reach of children.
- Overdose of drugs for the purpose of suicide (suicide). Most often, people use sleeping pills and tranquilizers for this purpose. They cause relatively easy death from overdose.
- Drug poisoning due to taking them with alcoholic beverages.
- Premeditated murder. Medicines can deliberately poison a person. Some drugs in large doses are potent poisons for humans.
Please note that for each person the lethal dosage of any drug is purely individual. It depends on the person’s weight and age, and whether he or she has any diseases.
Features of the clinical picture of drug overdose
Anyone can be poisoned to death by pills. Death is possible at a certain dose of any drug. Below we will look at the symptoms of poisoning with the most common medications.
Sleeping pills, sedatives
Sleeping pills and sedatives are dangerous to human life. You can get an overdose of them unintentionally, during some stressful situation. A person, wanting to calm down or fall asleep after emotional stress, can take a large dose of medication, striving for a quick effect of the drug.
Potent sedatives and hypnotics include:
- barked;
- phenobarbital;
- bromital;
- medinal;
- teraligen;
- barbital.
These substances, getting into digestive system, are quickly absorbed and act. They can cause death in 15-30 minutes. Below are the symptoms that develop with an overdose of sleeping pills.
- Increased drowsiness, weakness and lethargy. On initial stage poisoning, you can still establish contact with a person, talk, ask him something. Then deep sleep develops, and in severe cases, coma. As a rule, when poisoned by these drugs, people die in their sleep.
- A decrease in all reflexes develops due to inhibition of the central nervous systems s.
- Hyperthermia. Poisoning with sleeping pills is characterized by a rise in body temperature to 40 degrees.
- It is possible to develop vomiting during sleep. Due to a decrease in the severity of the swallowing and gag reflex, aspiration of vomit into the respiratory tract may occur and respiratory arrest may develop.
- Slow breathing. The person begins to breathe slowly and shallowly, with a frequency of less than 10 breaths per minute. This change is associated with depression of the respiratory center in the brain. If you are poisoned by sleeping pills, you can die from respiratory arrest.
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate) and hypotension (decreased blood pressure) blood pressure).
- Convulsions and hallucinations may develop.
Tranquilizers
A severe overdose of tranquilizers often leads to death. These drugs act on the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as breathing and heart function. Tranquilizers are taken strictly according to prescription, and even a slight deviation from the dosage prescribed by the doctor can cause poisoning.
- Below is a list of drugs in this group:
- Elenium;
- napothon;
- seduxen;
- diazepam;
- oxazepam;
- tazepam;
- eunoctine;
- librium;
radedorm.
The clinical picture of poisoning with tranquilizers is the same as for poisoning with sleeping pills.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common medications. These drugs include:
- paracetamol (efferalgan, panadol);
- acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin);
- analgin;
- ibuprofen (nurofen);
- ketorolac (ketanov, ketolong);
- nimesulide (nimesil);
indomethacin
Drugs in this group have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Some reduce body temperature (paracetamol, ibuprofen). Aspirin is used to thin the blood. Poisoning not to death NSAID drugs
most often develops as a result of an overdose in order to accelerate their action.
For example, when feeling severe pain, a person takes more medicine.
- Please note that acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) can cause rapid death if children consume it. Children do not have the enzyme to process this drug. They develop Reye's syndrome. Therefore, this drug is strictly prohibited for children. Symptoms of poisoning with NSAID drugs resemble intestinal poisoning. The patient has a stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea, general weakness, and dizziness. A decrease in body temperature, development of hand tremors, and a feeling of anxiety and restlessness are also possible. By themselves, medications in this group rarely lead to death. Dangerous are the complications that can be caused by taking these drugs in large dosages, namely: gastrointestinal bleeding. All NSAIDs irritate the gastric mucosa and
- acute pancreatitis is a non-infectious inflammation of the pancreas, in which necrotic death of its tissue develops. This pathology can be caused by an overdose of NSAIDs. The patient develops severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and diarrhea. Small purple hemorrhagic spots may appear on the skin of the abdomen. Body temperature rises to 39 degrees. This is a disease without surgical intervention leads to death;
- Acute liver failure can develop due to taking a large number of drugs that the liver is not able to neutralize. The patient's skin, mucous membranes and sclera of the eyes turn yellow, and pain appears in the right hypochondrium. Consciousness may be impaired. Death may occur due to liver failure;
- kidney failure, in which the kidneys are unable to cope with their function and cleanse the blood. This pathology can occur when toxic damage nephrons ( structural units kidneys) with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are drugs that are widely used in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases. They are prescribed by a doctor, who discusses with the patient the rules for both administration and dosage.
The table below shows the features clinical picture in case of overdose of various antibacterial agents.
Name of the group of antibacterial drugs and drugs | Symptoms and signs |
Penicillins, cephalosporins (amoxil, ceftriaxone, cefodox) |
|
Tetracycline |
|
Levomycetin |
When this drug is used in large doses, acute cardiovascular failure may develop. |
Fluoroquinolones |
|
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used for allergic pathologies. They can be prescribed for allergic dermatitis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, etc. These drugs block the production of histamine, the main mediator that triggers allergic reactions. Some drugs also have a mild hypnotic effect. When treating them, a person is prohibited from driving a car.
Drugs in this group include:
- loratadine;
- suprastin;
- diphenhydramine;
- diazolin;
- pipolfen.
Symptoms of poisoning with antihistamines appear within 15-30 minutes. If a lethal dose is consumed, a person can die within an hour.
In case of an overdose of antihistamines, the nervous system is primarily affected. Symptoms of poisoning with these drugs include:
- feeling of severe dryness in the mouth and eyes, thirst;
- increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees;
- nausea followed by vomiting;
- first, general excitement develops, which sharply changes to inhibition;
- hand trembling;
- seizures of the epilepsy type;
- tachycardia, possible heart rhythm disturbance;
- change in blood pressure, at first it rises sharply, and then also quickly decreases to critical numbers;
- loss of coordination, staggering;
- increased drowsiness;
- gradual descent into a deep coma.
Medicines to lower blood pressure
Poisoning from heart pills is very common among the population. At heart attack or a sharp rise in blood pressure, a person may take many different drugs, fearing for his life.
Also, an overdose of such drugs can develop in older people, who may forget that they took the drug and take it again.
Please note that when taking beta blockers (for example, anaprilin) by people who are sick bronchial asthma, rapid death may develop.
Names of popular antihypertensive drugs:
- captopril;
- lozap;
- enalapril;
- amiodarone;
- anaprilin;
- magnesium sulfate;
- metoprolol;
- nebivolol;
- nifedipine.
When poisoned with antihypertensive drugs, the patient's blood pressure drops sharply, nausea and vomiting may develop, and consciousness is impaired. This condition is fatal and can lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest.
What to do in case of drug overdose
At the slightest suspicion of an overdose of any drug, you should urgently call an ambulance.
Remember that trying to cure a person from a drug overdose on your own is very dangerous. He may die in your arms, and you will not be able to help him. In order not to endanger his life, seek medical help immediately.
What to do while waiting for doctors? The arrival time of the EMS team depends on many factors (for example, traffic congestion, availability of doctors at the time of the call). While waiting for the EMS team, you need to start providing first aid to the poisoned person. first aid at home. The prognosis for the patient’s life may depend on it. Its main components are presented below.
In order to clear the stomach of the remainder of the drugs taken, you need to drink a liter of water in one gulp and induce vomiting. For best results, repeat this washing several times.
This procedure is not carried out if:
- impaired consciousness of the patient;
- the appearance of black or bloody vomit.
There is no need to add a solution of potassium permanganate or any other components to the gastric lavage solution. You can't know which chemical reaction they will enter with the drugs that poisoned the person.
Cleansing enema
The enema is done using ordinary boiled water. The temperature of the colonic lavage fluid should be neutral (room temperature).
Sorbents
These medications will help bind and remove medications that remain in the digestive tract.
Sorbents that are taken in liquid form (for example, smecta or atoxyl) act faster. But if you don’t have these at home, give the patient any other sorbent, even activated carbon will do.
Before giving the drug to a person, read the dosage rules that are described in the instructions for it.
Drink
The liquid will reduce the concentration of the drug in the blood and accelerate its excretion by the kidneys, reducing dehydration. You can drink mineral water or plain water, tea with sugar.
Actions in case of loss of consciousness
If the patient loses consciousness, you need to monitor him until the doctors arrive so that he does not choke on vomit or his tongue. Turn his head to the side; in this position, the risk of aspiration is minimal.
To improve blood flow to the head and heart, raise his legs and fix them in this position.
Before doctors arrive, monitor his pulse and breathing. If they stop, start performing indirect closed cardiac massage.
What to do if you develop seizures
The only thing you can do is hold the person’s head so that he doesn’t hit it on the floor.
Remember that a person during a seizure should not put anything in his mouth, especially his fingers.
Medical treatment
Doctors from the ambulance, upon arriving at the call, will conduct a quick examination and assessment of the condition of the poisoned person. Show them the drug he took and tell them as accurately as possible the number of pills he took. You should also describe the amount of assistance that you managed to provide to the victim yourself.
Doctors will try to stabilize the victim’s condition and take him to the nearest hospital. In case of drug poisoning, treatment is carried out in the toxicology department. Patients in critical condition are admitted to the ward intensive care(resuscitation).
Treatment may consist of hemodialysis, the introduction of antidotes, IVs, drugs to support breathing and heart function.
What will happen to a person and what result to expect from treatment can only be said by a doctor after examining the patient and objectively assessing his condition. Drug poisoning can be fatal. Treatment for this condition is carried out in a hospital setting. The prognosis depends on the amount of the drug taken, active substance
, timeliness of seeking medical help. You cannot treat a drug overdose on your own.
The modern medical industry has taught people in any incomprehensible situation to immediately run to the pharmacy for the necessary medicine. Patients do not always read the label: consult your doctor before use. It is this aspect that can lead to death.
Another cause of death is taking too much of a dose. Sometimes one pill does not relieve a headache or is unable to reduce the temperature, in which case the person takes another pill. It is difficult to independently calculate the dose of a potent drug, which leads to serious complications, even death.
Rules for taking medications
Follow dosages and rules for taking pills and medications
In most cases, preventing an overdose is simple: just follow certain rules when taking medications.
- Some useful tips:
- Be sure to listen to your doctor's recommendations. Buy special medications for children; it is strictly forbidden to give your child an adult tablet divided into several parts. Available for sale great amount children's medicines, they are easy to use, designed for a specific purpose.
- Follow the prescribed intake time. Violation of this aspect leads to improper absorption of the medication into the blood and disruption of its pharmacological action.
- Full course of treatment - required condition. This is especially true for antibiotics; often patients, feeling better, stop taking the medicine. The disease returns, which leads to repeated therapy, which can have a detrimental effect on the body.
- Before use, be sure to read the instructions for the drug, side effects, contraindications. Sometimes the doctor may not take into account important aspects or he simply does not have enough time to explain the necessary recommendations.
- Follow the terms and rules for storing medications. Any violations in this area are a reason to refuse to use the medicine. Expired and counterfeit drugs are very dangerous to human health.
- Take medications only clean water. Juices, milk, coffee neutralize or interact with the active components of drugs, which negatively affects the therapeutic effect and can lead to unforeseen consequences.
Note! Many medications should not be taken with alcohol. The combination of substances is fraught with respiratory arrest, problems with the cardiovascular system, and the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, complications lead to the death of the patient. Nicotine doesn't do this strong influence on the body, but reduces the therapeutic effect of medicinal products.
Prescription drug overdose
Even harmless sleeping pills can be fatal
The highest percentage of deaths occurs with prescription medications. The patient, having received the medicine, is sometimes unable to stop and begins to increase the dosage, which leads to dire consequences. Prescription medications include several main groups of medicinal products that can cause death:
- Sleeping pills. This group includes barbiturates and non-barbiturate drugs. IN Lately It is becoming increasingly popular to visit psychologists, and doctors are allowed to prescribe potent substances. Exceeding the dosage or using the wrong medication can cause confusion, respiratory problems, circulatory system. A lethal dose is ten times the amount of medication exceeded.
- Narcotic analgesics (opiates). Oxycodone, morphine, codeine, methadone and others lead to altered consciousness of the patient, nausea, vomiting, and cardiac arrest. Complications are observed when the dosage is increased excessively, intentionally or unintentionally. In any case, it is quite difficult to help a person.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Phenelzine, parnate, marplane. Failure to comply with the correct dosage leads to an improvement in the patient’s mood, the person feels psycho-emotional arousal, which in some cases leads to disturbances in the activity of the heart muscle, and there is a high probability of coma. The drugs are insidious - the first symptoms are noticeable only a day after use, which prevents the timely diagnosis of an overdose.
- Hallucinogens. Medicines from this group can lead to seizures, hallucinations, disorientation, and coma. Taking medications from this group has a sharply negative effect on a person’s psycho-emotional state; the person is unable to help himself or herself if an unforeseen situation arises.
- CNS stimulants. Cocaine, amphetamine and their derivatives in overdose lead to overexcitation, hallucinations, severe coma, and psychosis. Deaths directly related to cardiac arrhythmia.
- Antidepressants. Medicinal products are designed to calm patients and restore mental health. An overdose entails absolutely the opposite effect - anxiety, dry skin, and hallucinations appear. Often patients in such conditions commit suicide.
It is important to know! When taking medications prescribed by a doctor, be sure to follow his instructions and do not take large doses of medications.
Overdose of non-prescription drugs
Common Aspirin tablets can also lead to death if the patient has a number of health problems
You can be poisoned by medications that are sold without a prescription; deaths from taking over-the-counter medications are recorded as often as from prescribed medications. In most cases, taking painkillers with alcohol is fatal. List of unsafe drugs:
- Aspirin. A frequently used medication, few people know that the drug can lead to the death of patients who have problems with the stomach, intestines, especially peptic ulcers. For children, the medicine is fraught with another danger - the active components increase the risk of an asthma attack and Reye's syndrome.
- Paracetamol in large doses leads to the destruction of brain cells and general intoxication of the body.
- Loperamide. Used for diarrhea, use is not recommended, it is addictive, and a wide range of side effects are observed after its use.
- Vitamin C. In large doses it provokes the appearance of cancer. Changes occur due to production a certain substance, which damage DNA, promote the development of tumors. The maximum permissible daily dose for humans is 45 mg.
- Vitamin E. Exceeding the dosage increases the risk of internal bleeding and can lead to stroke.
Note! Keep medicinal products away from children. Drug overdose is one of the main causes of death among children under 5 years of age.
Any increase in the dosage of medications affecting the cardiovascular system leads to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms
Diseases cordially- vascular system – main reason mortality among the world's population. Doctors are trying to cope with the problem with the help of cardiac glycosides, they have natural origin, help reduce the load on the muscle organ.
Regular use of prescribed medications improves blood circulation, copes with rapid or weak heart rhythm, and has a mild diuretic effect. Positive sides of the drug appear only if the dosage is observed; any excess of the norm or rhythm disturbances (ventricular tachycardia) leads to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms:
- blood pressure decreases, headaches and breathing problems appear;
- nausea, vomiting, stool disorders;
- When performing a cardiogram, negative changes are noticeable.
Sleeping pills
Medicines are intended to improve the patient's sleep. In most cases, the person himself is to blame for an overdose: if one tablet does not help to fall asleep, the hand reaches for a new dose, provoking depression of the nervous system, respiratory systems. Drowsiness, apathy, and minor disturbances in the functioning of the heart develop into a full-fledged coma with lesions internal organs.
It is important to monitor your intake of sleeping pills; write down what you took and when. It is easy to forget about taking the pill when you are anxious, protect yourself and your loved ones.
Medicines affecting the nervous system
Tranquilizers and antipsychotics are actively used in treatment mental disorders. The drugs dissolve easily in the stomach and are difficult to eliminate by the kidneys and liver. The use of potent medications should be monitored by medical staff and the patient’s relatives. Lack of control most often leads to disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, breathing problems, convulsions, drowsiness, even coma.
An important aspect is that many patients with nervous disorders are prone to suicide and often take pills with alcohol. The combination of substances leads to problems with physical and mental health patients, there is a high risk of death.
Consequences of overdose
In cases of overdose, call an ambulance
The appearance of characteristic symptoms during drug intoxication depends on the specific drug. In most cases, there is apathy, blockage respiratory tract, heart rhythm disturbances, renal or liver failure.
Medical assistance must be provided to avoid death. In order to do this correctly, try to find out from the victim what kind of medicine he took. Only when this aspect is clarified, proceed to therapeutic manipulations.
First aid:
- Call an ambulance immediately.
- As mentioned earlier, find out what caused the poisoning.
- Try to keep the patient conscious until the ambulance arrives.
- In case of vomiting or nausea, tilt the victim's head to one side, preventing the tongue from sinking and breathing stopping due to vomit.
- Do not abandon the person until the doctors arrive, try to cheer him up, and, if necessary, give the victim clean water to drink.
Prevention
Preventing drug intoxication is quite simple: follow the rules described at the beginning of the material, do not exceed the dosage, and it is forbidden to use several drugs at the same time without knowing about their interactions with each other.
Protect yourself and your children from using unnecessary medications, give preference to products based on natural ingredients. Before taking any product, consult your doctor and carefully read the instructions. Take care of your health, be vigilant!
Always remember, even the most harmless medicine can kill you, never self-medicate, many drugs have contraindications and cannot be taken if you have this or that disease, we recommend watching a video of what self-medication can lead to and listening to the doctor’s opinion.
A healthy night's sleep is considered important wellness any person, therefore, if it is violated, they can develop various diseases and nervous disorders.
There are many ways to speed up and make falling asleep easier, but often the easiest way is to take sleeping pills.
An overdose of sleeping pills is a common phenomenon; it often occurs in older people due to their inattention, as well as in people with an unstable psyche and suicidal tendencies who drink many pills at once in order to die a non-painful death.
Side effects of sleeping pills
Almost all medications have side effects, and sleeping pills are no exception. Undesirable consequences when taking this group of drugs will occur if the patient does not follow the doctor’s recommendations for taking the pills, and can be of a very different nature:
- From the authorities gastrointestinal tract there may be constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, dry mouth or heartburn.
Sometimes constipation is added to general weakness, pronounced depressive mood, heaviness in the abdomen, pain in the epigastric region or in the very bottom of the abdomen.
- From the cardiovascular system: tachycardia or bradycardia.
- From the central nervous system: dizziness, drowsiness during the day, movement coordination disorders, headache, decreased learning, memory disorders, uncontrolled movements, nightmares.
- From the side of the eyes: disturbance of accommodation.
- Allergic reactions in the form of skin rash and itching.
The modern sleeping pill Donormil has a short list of side effects and extremely rarely causes undesirable consequences, provided the drug is dosed correctly.
Overdose symptoms
An overdose of a sleeping pill occurs when a person has exceeded the maximum single dose of the drug. This condition is very dangerous and requires immediate treatment to prevent death.
Overdose symptoms depend not only on the drug itself, but also on individual characteristics the human body - such as body weight, age, sensitivity to the components of the drug and many others
Clinically, the course of an overdose can be divided into certain stages:
- The first stage is characterized by a slowing of the pulse, the development of apathy, and excessive sleepiness during the day. An important symptom of an overdose may be hypersalivation - increased salivation. The outcome is most often favorable if timely medical assistance was provided.
- The second stage is manifested by loss of consciousness, but at the same time the person will react to painful stimuli. The muscles are relaxed, their tone is reduced, the pupils react poorly to light. When a large volume of saliva is released, vomiting occurs, the tongue sinks due to relaxation of the smooth muscles. Failure to get help at this stage can be dangerously fatal.
- The third stage - the person falls into a deep coma, all reflexes are lost, the pulse is weakly palpable, the pupils do not react to light. Blood pressure is sharply reduced, breathing is rare and shallow. This stage is dangerous due to dysfunction of internal organs - liver and kidneys. The consequences of such a condition are very difficult to predict; even if medical care was provided in a timely manner and in full, paralysis and disruption of brain function may occur, that is, the person will be disabled.
- The fourth stage is terminal. There is a complete stop of respiratory and cardiac activity, and death occurs.
Symptoms of an overdose of sleeping pills are different and depend on the group of the drug.
Barbiturate overdose
This group includes drugs such as Phenobarbital, Hexobarbital, Barbital. Lethal dose of these medicines quite low - you only need to drink a dose ten times higher than the usual therapeutic dose, but if started in a timely manner medical care the consequences of an overdose can be minimized. Barbiturates are considered old-generation drugs and have a lot of side effects, so they are used less and less for the treatment of sleep disorders.
Overdose of benzodiazepine drugs
This group includes such drugs as Relanium, Diazepam, Sibazon.
Abuse of Relanium can lead to memory impairment, disorientation, and impaired coordination of movements.
Poisoning with these drugs may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Inhibition of reflexes.
- Difficulty slurring speech.
- Movement coordination disorder.
- Dilated pupils.
- Bradycardia.
- Hypotension.
- Hypothermia.
Such dangerous consequences, as coma and respiratory depression develop rarely and only with the combined use of sleeping pills and alcohol. The lethal dose of benzodiazepine-type sleeping pills is quite large - even exceeding it ten times will provoke only moderate symptoms of poisoning.
Donormil overdose
Donormil is a modern sleeping pill from the group of histamine receptor blockers.
The lethal dose of Donormil is individual for each person - for some, 1-2 tablets are enough, but for others, a whole pack is not enough.
Exceeding the dose of the sleeping pill Donormil can develop if the patient neglects the doctor’s recommendations and takes the drug in an amount of more than 3 tablets per day. Symptoms of Donormil poisoning are drowsiness during the day, agitation, redness of the skin of the face and neck, xerostomia (dry mouth), elevated temperature body, hallucinations, confusion, incoordination, convulsions and coma.
Is it possible to die from an overdose of Donormil? Research has not revealed a single death from poisoning with the drug Donormil. Patients developed severe side effects to the point of disability, but lethal dose The drug Donormil has not yet been identified.
Is it possible to die from sleeping pill poisoning? Yes, such an outcome is possible, especially in the absence of urgent medical care at the first symptoms of poisoning with a sleeping pill.
Is it dangerous to take sleeping pills?
Sleep medications are safe if you follow the directions for use. It is very important to monitor the dosage of the sleep aid; if the prescribed dose is not enough, you can consult a specialist; making prescriptions on your own is highly not recommended. As for the drug Donormil, it is also safe if used correctly.
Not everyone knows that even seemingly harmless pills can cause death in the event of an overdose.
According to statistics, the largest number of deaths are from the use of drugs that were prescribed by prescription to relieve pain when the dosage of the pharmaceutical drug was significantly exceeded.
Pharmaceutical drugs are antidepressants that are prescribed to calm or get rid of neuroses, which can lead to severe dry skin, anxiety and hallucinations when the required dose is increased. It is not uncommon for patients to commit suicide after an overdose of such drugs.
Patients and their relatives should know that when taking medications prescribed by a doctor, it is imperative to adhere to the dosage and not exceed it.
Drugs purchased without a prescription
Not everyone knows that you can also get poisoned from an overdose of medications sold without a prescription in pharmacies. Especially Negative influence Consuming tablets with drinks containing alcohol affects the body.
Patients should take the following medications with particular caution:
- Aspirin. This medicine may be fatal if the patient has problems with the intestines, stomach, or peptic ulcer. As for children, this remedy is not recommended for them, since it can lead to the occurrence of a rare but dangerous Ray's syndrome, as well as asthma.
- . Externally safe drug, which is given to both adults and children, with increasing doses can cause general poisoning of the body and destruction of brain cells.
- Loperamide. The drug, which is purchased at the pharmacy for attacks of diarrhea, can be addictive, which can subsequently lead to a large number of side effects.
- Vitamin E. Can cause a stroke and even bleeding of internal organs if the permissible dosage is exceeded several times.
- Vitamin C. A large number of Taking vitamin C can cause cancer. Therefore, you should not exceed the recommended daily dose of 45 mg. Vitamin C should be given to children with particular caution.
- Iodine, drotaverine () with increasing dosage can cause death in the patient.
You should know that all medications (even the most harmless ones) must be stored out of the reach of children.
Tablets that affect the heart
Patients should be aware that any increase in the dose of medications that affect the cardiovascular system can cause unpleasant symptoms. Such drugs include cardiac glycosides. Taking such drugs on a regular basis helps improve blood circulation. In addition, they help cope with a weak or racing heart.
However, positive aspects will appear only if the patient complies with the dose of medication prescribed by the doctor. If it is exceeded, it can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of a decrease in blood pressure, headaches, attacks of nausea, sometimes vomiting, difficulty breathing and stool disorders.
In addition, they can cause negative changes when carried out.
Drugs that have a hypnotic effect are no less dangerous. As a rule, if a patient cannot fall asleep from one pill, he takes another, naively believing that he will not harm his body. But increasing the dosage of sleeping pills can cause apathy, drowsiness and depression of the respiratory and nervous systems. In addition, drugs of this effect provoke the appearance of serious disturbances in the functioning of the heart, which can lead to serious damage to internal organs and put a person into a coma.
Doctors recommend that patients taking tablets permanent basis, record when and exactly how many medications were taken. This rule will protect the patient from dangerous side effects due to overdose. Also, you should know that before using any medications, it is better to consult your doctor.
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Any medicinal product has a number of side effects, but the greatest caution should be taken when using drugs that can cause cardiac arrest.
For this reason, it is not recommended to take medications before examination and consultation with a doctor. Self-medication can be very dangerous and lead to the so-called clinical death(cardiac arrest within 4-5 minutes), after which irreversible changes occur in the body, leading to biological death.
Drugs in this group are used to improve heart function. They enhance the contraction of the heart muscle (myocardium), improve blood supply to organs and tissues, and thereby relieve swelling.
Many plants are natural glycosides, for example, lily of the valley, adonis. Medicines that cause cardiac arrest include glycosides, as they directly affect the heart, increasing its activity.
Glycosides enhance metabolism. Usually these are drugs plant origin, but that doesn't make them safe. An overdose and the wrong combination of drugs can lead to cardiac arrest. However, overdose is not the only danger. These drugs should only be taken after evaluation, as even small doses can be fatal for some people.
The risk group includes people with big amount calcium in the blood, with a lack of potassium and magnesium, renal failure, thyroid dysfunction, hypoxia.
The following drugs are classified as cardiac glycosides:
- Digitoxin. This drug significantly increases the force of heart contractions. It is prescribed for heart failure, chronic or acute. The drug tends to accumulate in the body, so the dosage must be strictly observed. The drug is taken orally. For indigestion, it can be used in the form of suppositories.
- Gomphotin. A cardiac glycoside of plant origin obtained from harga leaves. It increases the force of heart contraction but decreases heartbeat. It is prescribed, as a rule, for chronic heart failure, but is contraindicated in severe forms of cardiosclerosis.
- Strophanthin. A fairly strong glycoside, which is prescribed for various forms heart failure, circulatory disorders, supraventricular tachycardia. Not prescribed for acute myocardial infarction, thyrotoxicosis.
In case of an overdose of glycosides, dizziness occurs, a state of delirium and hallucinations are possible. If these signs appear, you must immediately call an ambulance.
Preparations with potassium
Potassium itself is an important trace element necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Potassium affects heart contractions and normal heart function. Cardiac arrest can be caused by both a deficiency and an excess of this microelement. Therefore, its level in the body must be carefully monitored.
Potassium supplements must be taken with caution. When administered intravenously, this substance is especially dangerous. The heart stops quickly even at the slightest overdose. In some countries, injections of pure potassium are used in the form death penalty for especially dangerous criminals.
The greatest caution should be taken when taking potassium-containing drugs for people with renal failure, stomach ulcers and serious cardiovascular disorders.
IN small quantities Potassium is harmless and beneficial.
Symptoms of an overdose are weakness in the arms and legs, arrhythmia, shortness of breath, weakness, loss of consciousness, then coma. Only a doctor can help in this case.
Potassium-containing drugs include:
- Asparkam. A drug containing potassium and magnesium. Prescribed for heart failure and coronary disease hearts. In some cases, it helps eliminate an overdose of cardiac glycosides. Not prescribed for renal failure, excess potassium and magnesium in the body.
- Orocamag. Contains potassium and magnesium. Prescribed for angina and other heart diseases. Contraindications are serious kidney disease, excess potassium and magnesium in the blood, dehydration, and cirrhosis of the liver.
- Panangin. This is the most popular and inexpensive drug, which is prescribed to heart patients to normalize heart function. It is often prescribed simultaneously with cardiac glycosides, as it reduces side effects.
- Kalinor. A potassium supplement often prescribed for arrhythmias. For kidney disease, excess potassium and lactation, Kalinor is contraindicated.
A lack of potassium can also lead to cardiac arrest, since without potassium glucose is not absorbed and the muscles do not receive energy.
Antibacterial drugs and vitamin complexes
Many people consider antibiotics unsafe for various reasons, but people take vitamins without fear. However, vitamins can be dangerous not only if you take 50 tablets at once. Systematic intake of vitamin complexes increases the level of calcium in the blood. If a person already had heart problems, then excess calcium can lead to cardiac arrest.
To prevent bleeding, Vikasol is also often used, which is classified as a vitamin. But it can provoke the formation of blood clots.Antibiotics can cause cardiac arrest in the elderly, allergy sufferers, and people with diabetes mellitus, severe heart failure, angina pectoris.
Useful video - The most unusual causes of cardiac arrest:
Antibiotics from the macrolide group are considered the most dangerous drugs for the heart. They have a minimum of side effects for the intestines, but have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system:
- Azithromycin. A semisynthetic antibiotic that is often prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract. Side effects from the cardiovascular system are considered rare (less than 1%), but if the patient is at risk, the effect on the heart will be greater.
- Clarithromycin. The most popular antibiotic prescribed for various infections. It quickly copes with bacteria and respiratory diseases, but at the same time has a negative effect on the heart and blood vessels.
- Vilprafen. Antibiotic based on josamycin. A fairly strong macrolide that is used to treat ENT organs and various bacterial infections. There are no contraindications for heart disease, but it is not recommended for people with heart failure.
- Clubax. A drug based on clarithromycin. Prescribed for otitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Not recommended for people with kidney and liver failure.
Macrolides are considered the least toxic antibiotics and are also easy to use. They need to be taken in 1 dose for 3-5 days. This is due to the fact that the drugs are still long time circulate in the blood, maintaining their effect, which also extends to side effects.
Psychotropic drugs
Psychotropic drugs are typically prescribed by a doctor, sold by prescription only, and used to treat brain disorders. Psychotropic drugs inhibit mental activity, relieve anxiety and suppress emotions. They can cause cardiac arrest if overdosed or taken together with incompatible drugs or alcohol.
There are several groups of psychotropic drugs. They differ in composition and action. Some are dangerous even in small doses, others can lead to cardiac arrest only with a significant overdose (for example, sleeping pills).
Review of drugs:
- Neuroleptics. This type of medication helps eliminate hallucinations and alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia. These drugs are never prescribed without indications. They are sold by prescription only and are intended exclusively for people with severe forms of schizophrenia.
- Antidepressants. Antidepressants fight depression, anxiety, and phobias. They are always taken in courses because they do not have an immediate effect. The maximum effect can be observed after approximately 2 weeks of use.
- Tranquilizers. These drugs eliminate more severe symptoms and can be classified as strong antidepressants. They relieve fear, panic, and anxiety.
- Psychostimulants. These drugs do not inhibit, but on the contrary, enhance mental activity, increase performance, give a feeling of vigor and reduce the need for sleep. The most accessible psychostimulant is caffeine.
- Sedatives. This sedatives synthetic or plant origin. In small dosages they are not dangerous. They have a general calming effect and normalize sleep.
These drugs have a number of side effects, such as causing uncontrollable and sudden muscle contractions. In case of an overdose, fever, delirium-like state, paralysis, and cardiac arrest occur.