Mechanisms of Action of Poisons- Poisoning
Poison Mechanism of action
Ingested poisons – They act directly on the digestive tract causing pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Corrosive poisons – on swallowing, they burn tissues severely , e.g. lips, mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
Fumes and gases – they cause choking, which may lead to difficulty in breathing and unconsciousness.
Chemical poisons – their toxic effects may be seen on the organs they reach through the bloodstream, e.g. nervous system, heart, liver etc.
Enzyme inhibitors – they inhibit various enzymes in the body required for metabolic function of the body, e.g. displacement of oxygen in the blood, preventing its distribution to the tissues.
