IF YOU SUSPECT CYANIDE POISONING, ADMINISTER CYANOKIT IMMEDIATELY. *List may not be comprehensiveAlso indicative of cyanide poisoning is a plasma lactate concentration ≥10 mmol/L (a value higher than that typically listed in the table above of signs and symptoms of isolated cyanide poisoning because carbon monoxide associated with smoke inhalation also contributes to lactic acidemia). Recognizing Cyanide Poisoning in Smoke-Inhalation VictimsCyanide poisoning in smoke-inhalation victims should be suspected if the following manifestations are present 1*: 1Ĭommon Signs and Symptoms of Cyanide and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 1,5 CYANIDE Despite the similarities, quick diagnosis is essential. With signs and symptoms similar to carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide poisoning can be difficult to recognize. 3 Cyanide is often released when everyday items found in most homes and businesses combust, making smoke inhalation the most common cause of acute cyanide poisoning.

Where There’s Smoke, There May Be Cyanide 3Although carbon monoxide is a well-known toxin in fire smoke, cyanide can be an overlooked danger. If cyanide poisoning is suspected, treatment should not be delayed to obtain a plasma lactate concentration.

Plasma lactate level could be monitored, as it increases proportionally with the degree of cyanide poisoning, but it is not a definite diagnostic tool. Treatment decisions must be made on the basis of clinical history and signs and symptoms of cyanide intoxication. There is no widely available, rapid, confirmatory cyanide blood test. Hypertension (early)/Hypotension (late)ĭiagnosing Cyanide Poisoning May Be DifficultThe presence and extent of cyanide poisoning are often initially unknown.Altered mental status (e.g., confusion, disorientation).Signs and SymptomsCommon signs and symptoms of cyanide poisoning include 1:

Cyanide poisoning may result from inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure to various cyanide-containing compounds, including smoke from closed-space fires. Cyanide Sources and ExposureSources of cyanide poisoning include hydrogen cyanide and its salts, cyanogenic plants, aliphatic nitriles, and prolonged exposure to sodium nitroprusside.

Cyanide poisoning kit