Toxicology
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
Introduction
The basic science of poisons (old). The study of the adverse effects of chemical agents on biological system (new)
OR
The study of the mechanisms, symptoms and treatment of biological poisoning is known as toxicology
Definition of Overdose
- Overdose “dose too heavily”
- Application of a chemical or other substance in quantities ↑↑ than recommended or generally practiced.
- Its considered harmful & dangerous, & it can result in death.
Different Areas of Toxicology
- Mechanistic toxicology
- Descriptive toxicology
- Regulatory toxicology
3 MAIN CATEGORIES
Mechanistic Toxicology is Concerned with identification and understanding the cellular, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms by which chemicals exert toxic effects on living organisms
Mechanistic Toxicology
Descriptive Toxicology is Concerned with toxicity testing to provide information for safety evaluation and regulatory requirements.
Descriptive Toxicology
Regulatory toxicology is responsible for deciding whether a drug (or chemical) has sufficient low risk to be marketed. The FDA is responsible for allowing drugs, cosmetics, and food additives to be sold in the market)
Regulatory toxicology
Is concerned with the medicolegal aspects of the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and animals. The forensic toxicologist is concerned to aid in establishing:
- Cause of death
- Determination of death
- Circumstances in a postmortem investigation.
There are other specialized areas of toxicology
Deals with diseases caused by or associated with toxic substances.
1. Forensic toxicology : is
It deals with
Estimation of workers safety based on 8 hours work a day and 40 hours a week
Engineering of the safety measures
Air sampling and workers sampling
2. Clinical toxicology deals
It deals with effects of compounds on environment
Movement of the chemicals in the environment
Residual life of the compounds in the environment
The occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) determines whether or not employers are providing working conditions that are safer for the workers.
3. Industrial toxicology
It deals with
Determination of the mode of action of chemicals at the molecular level
Effects of the chemicals on DNA, cancer, genes etc.
The environmental protection agency (EPA) is responsible for the regulation of pesticides, toxic chemicals, and toxic pollutants in water and air