Arsenic and Its Compounds.

Arsenic and its compounds

Arsenic and its compounds have a pronounced toxic effect on the body. They have a damaging effect on the kidneys, liver, intestines, nervous system and hematopoietic organs.

When ingested, a gastrointestinal form of poisoning develops: a metallic taste appears in the mouth, vomiting of greenish masses occurs, severe abdominal pain, loose stools reminiscent of rice water are observed. Severe dehydration of the body occurs, accompanied by convulsions.

As a result of hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, hemolytic anemia, and acute hepatic-renal failure develop. In the terminal phase, collapse and coma occur. A paralytic form may develop with stupor, stupor, convulsions, loss of consciousness, respiratory paralysis and collapse.

In case of inhalation poisoning with arsenic hydrogen, severe hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, cyanosis quickly develop, and on days 2-3 - hepatic-renal failure and hemolytic anemia.

The lethal dose of arsenic when ingested is 0.1-0.2 g.

Treatment includes:

1. Gastric lavage, repeated siphon enemas, early hemodialysis with the introduction of unithiol, forced diuresis.

2. Unithiol 5 ml of 5% solution 8 times a day IM. Thetacine-calcium intravenously.

3. Vitamin therapy (B vitamins, ascorbic acid), intravenous administration of a 10% sodium chloride solution.

4. For abdominal pain - platyphylline, atropine, pararectal novocaine blockade.

5. Cardiovascular drugs, treatment of exotoxic shock.

6. For hemoglobinuria - intravenous administration of a glucose-novocaine mixture, hypertonic glucose solution, aminophylline, sodium bicarbonate.