Chloroform toxicity

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Background

  • Chloroform (Trichloromethane) is a chlorinated hydrocarbon
  • Solvent used in chemical and pharmaceutical industries

Mechanism of Toxicity

  • CNS depressant
  • Hepatic and renal toxicity via free radical formation
  • Arrhythmogenesis
  • Carcinogenesis

Clinical Presentation

Differential Diagnosis

Diagnosis

  • Based on clinical presentation
  • Specific levels rarely available

Treatment

  • Decontamination
  • Avoid sympathomimetics like epinephrine which may trigger arrhythmia
  • N-acetylcysteine may minimize renal and hepatic toxicity

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References

  • Olson, K. Poisoning and Drug Overdose, 1999.