Toxidromes by Vital Signs

Author: Michelle Lin, MD
Updated: 11/19/2010

Toxidromes by Vital Signs

Bradycardia

PACED

  • P*ropranolol/ beta-blockers, *Poppies (opiates), P**ropoxyphene,P**hysostigmine
  • A*nticholinesterases, *Antiarrhythmics
  • C*lonidine, *Calcium channel blockers
  • Ethanol or other alcohols
  • Digoxin, digitalis

Tachycardia

FAST

  • F*ree base or other cocaine forms, *Freon
  • A*nticholinergics, *Antihistamine, A*ntipsychotic, *Amphetamines, Alcohol withdrawal
  • S*ympathomimentics, *Solvent use, Strychnine
  • T*heophylline, *TCAs, Thyroid hormones

Hypothermia

COOLS

  • Carbon monoxide
  • Opioids
  • Oral hypoglycemics and insulin
  • Liquor (alcohol)
  • Sedative-hypnotics

Hyperthermia

NASA

  • N*euroleptic malignant syndrome, *Nicotine
  • A*ntihistamine, *Alcohol withdrawal
  • S*alicylates, *Sympathomimetics, Serotonin syndrome
  • A*nticholinergics, *Antidepressants, Antipsychotics

Hypotension

CRASH

  • C*lonidine, *Calcium channel blockers
  • Rodenticides (has arsenic, cyanide)
  • A*ntidepressants, *Aminophylline, Antihypertensives
  • Sedative-hypnotics
  • Heroin or other opiate

Hypertension

CT SCAN

  • Cocaine
  • Thyroid supplements
  • Sympathomimetics
  • Caffeine
  • A*nticholinergics, *Amphetamines
  • Nicotine

Tachypnea

PANT

  • P*CP, *Paraquat, P*neumonitis (chemical), *Phosgene
  • ASA and other salicylates
  • N*oncardiogenic pulmonary edema, *Nerve agents
  • Toxin-mediated metabolic acidosis

Bradypnea

SLOW

  • Sedative-hypnotics
  • Liquor (alcohols)
  • Opioids
  • Weed (marijuana)

References

  • Erickson TB, Thompson TM, Lu JJ.The approach to the patient with an unknown overdose. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2007 May;25(2):249-81 [PubMed]