Strychnine Flashcards Preview

RUSVM Toxicology 2016 > Strychnine > Flashcards

Flashcards in Strychnine Deck (13)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Strychnine

A

Restricted use Pesticide

2
Q

What is Strychnine used for?

A

Control of gophers, squirrels, deer mine, moles, prairie dogs, rats, porcupines, chipmunks, rabbits, and pigeons

3
Q

Strychnine Properties

A
Alkaloid from strychnos nux vomica seeds
weak base
moderately water soluble 
adheres to soil particles 
persists in environment (40 days)
4
Q

Strychnine toxicokinetics

A
readily absorbed from the GI tract
Vomiting decreases toxicity 
not highly protein bound 
Crosses the BBB
Metabolizes in the Liver 
Undergoes enterohepatic recirculation
5
Q

Mechanism of Action of Strychnine

A

Block post-synaptic effect of glycine in the spinal cord

6
Q

Glycine

A

important inhibitory neurotransmitter to motor neurons and interneurons in the spinal cord

7
Q

What does the blocking of post synaptic glycine lead to?

A

Highly exaggerated reflex arcs
muscle spasms
severe extensor rigidity
tonic seizures

8
Q

What are the clinical signs of Strychnine toxicosis?

A
Apprehension 
panting
nausea/vomiting
Mydriasis 
Stiffness
muscle twitching 
hyperthermia 
tonic seizures and opisthotonos
Seizures elicitable by external stimuli 
sardonic grin 
death from respiratory failure
9
Q

What lesions are associated with Strychnine toxicosis?

A

hemorrhage
congestion
cyanosis

10
Q

What are the specimens for Strychnine detection?

A
Stomach contents
bait
serum 
urine 
liver
11
Q

Treatment of Strychnine toxicosis

A
Supportive/symptomatic care
Fluid therapy 
oxygen support 
Stay in a quite place - avoid stimuli 
Treat muscle tremors and rigidity with diazepam 
Treat seizures
IV Lipid therapy
Urinary Acidifier - Ammonium chloride and methionine
12
Q

What drugs should you avoid with Strychnine toxicosis?

A

opioids
phenothiazines
neuromuscular blockers
dissociative anesthetics

13
Q

What is prognosis for Strychnine toxicosis?

A

Good if alive

Early and aggressive therapy for 24-72 hours usually results in a good outcome