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ALL / Pharmacology
Cyanide poisoning
Cyanide poisoning
Cyanide may be used in insecticides, photograph development and the production of certain metals. Cyanide inhibits the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, resulting in cessation of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain.Presentation
- 'classical' features: brick-red skin, smell of bitter almonds
- acute: hypoxia, hypotension, headache, confusion
- chronic: ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitis
Management
- supportive measures: 100% oxygen
- definitive: hydroxocobalamin (intravenously), also combination of amyl nitrite (inhaled), sodium nitrite (intravenously), and sodium thiosulfate (intravenously)
+PassMedicine Notes
Cyanide may be used in insecticides, photograph development and the production of certain metals. Cyanide inhibits the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, resulting in cessation of the mitochondrial electron transfer chain.
Presentation- 'classical' features: brick-red skin, smell of bitter almonds
- acute: hypoxia, hypotension, headache, confusion
- chronic: ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, dermatitis
- supportive measures: 100% oxygen
- definitive: hydroxocobalamin (intravenously), also combination of amyl nitrite (inhaled), sodium nitrite (intravenously), and sodium thiosulfate (intravenously)
