Table Of Contents
Inhalants
Inhalants represent a broad group of drugs which are inhaled and absorbed through the lungs. They are generally CNS depressants. Intoxication lasts 15-30 minutes and may be sustained with repeated use. Overdose may be fatal due to respiratory depression or cardiac arrhythmia. Inhalants are a big problem among teens as they are easily accessible i.e. solvents, glues, thinners, or household cleaning products. Patients usually have an odour on them. They do not have a withdrawal syndrome and tolerance is very mild.
- Signs and symptoms of intoxication
- Slurred speech
- Decreased motor coordination
- Wheezing
- Belligerence
- Psychosis
- Treatment
- ABCs
- Supportive treatment
- Antipsychotics in case of agitation
- Some solvents e.g. leaded petrol may need chelation
- Complications of using inhalants
- Permanent CNS damage (neurocognitive impairment, cerebellar dysfunciton, parkinsonims, seizures)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Myopathy
- Aplastic anaemia
- Malignancy
- Metabolic acidosis
- Urinary calculi
- Glomerulonephritis
- Myocarditis
- Myocardial infarction
- Hepatotoxicity
