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Organophosphate PoisoningICU / resuscitation
Emergency / Toxicology · Ward Pathways · Locked — free with a referral
By Dr Javed Akhtar · Last reviewed 2 October 2026
Presentation Farmer drank an organophosphate insecticide 1 h ago; vomiting, drooling, pinpoint pupils, fasciculations, wheeze with bronchorrhoea; HR 48, SpO₂ 86%
Red flags Bronchorrhoea / SpO₂ falling Bradycardia with hypotension Coma or seizures Neck-flexion weakness
Differential diagnosis Carbamate poisoning Opioid toxicity (miosis) Nicotine/mushroom (muscarinic) Pontine haemorrhage Aluminium phosphide
When to admit, call ICU or discharge Admit: All symptomatic or suspected ingestionsICU: Respiratory failure, large atropine needs, GCS ≤8, intermediate syndromeIntubate: Bronchorrhoea, respiratory failure, coma — earlyVentilate: Respiratory failure; lung-protective settings
Key points India has among the world's highest pesticide poisoning deaths; many ingestions are intentional. Aluminium phosphide (celphos) is another common, deadly agrochemical — no antidote; supportive ICU care. Carbamates look the same but resolve faster; treat identically with atropine.
Never Use the pupils as the atropine endpoint Give succinylcholine for intubation Delay atropine for the cholinesterase result Discharge within 24–48 h of stopping atropine (intermediate syndrome)
Common mistakes Under-dosed atropine Succinylcholine Staff contamination Early discharge
Disposition and follow-up ICU for most; observe 24–96 h after atropine for intermediate syndrome.
Locked ABCDE first moves The step-by-step decision sequence Order set Monitoring timeline and escalation triggers Treatment doses and preparation Discharge package Open the full pathway in Ward Pathways
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