ffIf possible, refer patients showing signs of poisoning to hospital for admission. Send a note of what is known about the poison and what treatment has been given ffAlso refer/admit patients who have taken slow-acting poisons even if they appear well. These include: acetylsalicylic acid, iron, paracetamol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine), paraquat, modified-release products ffOptimal management of the poisoned patient depends upon the specific poison(s) involved, the presenting and predicted severity of illness and time that has elapsed between exposure and presentation ffTreatment includes supportive care, decontamination, antidotal therapy and enhanced elimination techniques ffIt may not always be possible to identify the poison and the amount taken. Anyway, –– Only a few poisons have specific antidotes –– Few patients need active removal of the poison –– Most patients must be treated symptomatically However, knowledge of the poison will help you anticipate the likely effects on the patient.