Toxidrome

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

A toxidrome is a concept derived from a portmanteau of the terms toxic and syndrome, and it represents a group of clinical symptoms corresponding to a specific class of toxicants. The genesis of the term can be traced back to 1970 when it was coined by Mofenson and Greensher.

Toxidrome
Symptoms BP HR RR Temp Pupil size Bowel sounds Diaphoresis
anticholinergic ~ up ~ up up down down
cholinergic ~ ~ ~ ~ down up up
hallucinogenic up up up ~ up up ~
sympathomimetic up up up up up up up
sedative-hypnotic down down down down ~ down down
Toxidrome FlowChart Diagnosis

Origin and Definition[edit | edit source]

The term "toxidrome" is the marriage of "toxic" and "syndrome" and serves to denote specific clusters of symptoms related to particular toxic substances. Such symptoms often surface due to drug overdose but can occasionally be attributed to systemic infections. Accurate identification of a toxidrome is pivotal for diagnosing and addressing potentially fatal poisonings.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Toxidromes manifest differently depending on the particular toxic agent in play. Commonly observed symptoms across various toxidromes encompass:

Classification of Toxidromes[edit | edit source]

Certain "classic" toxidromes have been identified, even though the combined ingestion of multiple drugs can modulate the manifestation of a toxidrome. Some of the classic examples are:

Management & Intervention[edit | edit source]

Rapid action is imperative once a toxidrome has been identified, especially in severe cases. Consulting with a poison control center or medical toxicologist can yield insights into specific antidotes or treatment methods. Immediate supportive care, emphasizing respiratory and hemodynamic stabilization, is of paramount importance.

Related Topics[edit | edit source]

Toxidrome Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD