Acute poisoning: management protocol.

Management of the acutely poisoned patient should start with decontamination of the skin and irrigation of the eyes, if necessary, and assessment of cardiorespiratory status, neurologic status, and pupils and eye movement. If a definable toxic syndrome is present, the specific "antidote" should be given. If no such syndrome is apparent and the patient is comatose, 50 ml of 50% glucose and 0.4 mg of naloxone (Narcan) intravenously should be tried. General measures, applicable in either situation, include induction of emesis or lavage and administration of charcoal and cathartics.