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Etc., .... ************** Subj: tremor - metaldehyde Date: 95-06-14 18:03:00 EDT From: [log in to unmask] From: [log in to unmask] (Tebay, Wendy) To: [log in to unmask] (myself) <<<<<< Attached TEXT file named "Commercial Products" follows >>>>>> Commercial Products Antimilace, Bug-Geta, Cekumeta, Corry's Slug and Snail Death, Halizan, Metason, Namekil. <<<<<< Attached TEXT file named "Confirmation of Metaldehyde Poi" follows >>>>>> Confirmation of Metaldehyde Poisoning Chromatographic methods for measurement of metaldehyde in blood are described but not generally available. Very little metaldehyde or acetaldehyde is excreted in the urine of metaldehyde-dosed dogs. Liver function tests and repeat urinalyses for protein and cells should be done to assess liver and kidney injury in poisoned patients. <<<<<< Attached TEXT file named "Toxicology and Manifestations o" follows >>>>>> Toxicology and Manifestations of Poisoning Metaldehyde is a 4-unit cyclic polymer of acetaldehyde long used to kill slugs and snails, which are attracted to it without the use of bait. Occasional poisonings of animals and children have resulted from ingestion of pellets intended as molluscicide, but tablets designed as fuel in smokeless lamps have more commonly been the agents responsible for human poisonings. The biochemical mechanism of poisoning is not known; acetaldehyde derived from depolymerization does not produce the dramatic neurologic symptoms and signs of metaldehyde poisoning. Furthermore, acetaldehyde is not detectable in the blood or urine of metaldehyde-poisoned dogs. Ingestion of a toxic dose is sometimes followed by vomiting due to gastric irritation. Within a few minutes to several hours following ingestion, salivation, flushing, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and generalized tremors occur; the latter may progress to violent tonic-clonic convulsions. Hyperthermia and tachycardia characterize some cases. Poisoned animals show tremors, ataxia, hyperesthesia, and salivation. Autopsy findings in fatal human poisonings indicate severe damage to liver cells and renal tubular epithelium. Metabolic acidosis may be an important factor leading to death. <<<<<< Attached TEXT file named "Treatment of Metaldehyde Poison" follows >>>>>> Treatment of Metaldehyde Poisoning Unless ingestion occurred more than several hours before treatment, ingested metaldehyde must be removed from the gut, preferably by gastric lavage and catharsis (see Organophosphate Insecticides, Treatment, Section 5). Activated charcoal may well be useful against metaldehyde. If seizures occur, sedative anticonvulsants must be administered (see Solid Organochlorine Insecticides, Treatment, Section 4). Intravenous fluids, including glucose, should be given to protect the liver, support detoxication, and facilitate excretion. Add sodium bicarbonate to intravenous fluids to reverse metabolic acidosis. Fluid balance and electrolytes must be monitored carefully to avoid fluid overload if renal failure supervenes. There is no specific antidote for metaldehyde poisoning. Hemodialysis is probably not effective in removing metaldehyde, but must be instituted if renal failure occurs. Effectiveness of hemoperfusion has not been tested.