Introduction

A practical guide to diagnosis, first aid and hospital treatment

Paraquat is a safe and effective herbicide when used as directed on the label. However, exposure to toxic doses of paraquat (largely with suicidal intention) is often fatal, despite aggressive medical intervention. Early recognition, and attempts at removal of paraquat from the body remain the cornerstone of therapy. In recent years there has been little change in the general management of paraquat poisoning, but this booklet is structured in a way to emphasise the importance of early recognition and early treatment. It also includes a section on the mechanism of paraquat toxicity, a flow chart to aid early management and an update on the latest laboratory techniques (and their availability). The booklet has been jointly produced by members of the Health Assessment and Environmental Safety Department of Syngenta and the Medical Toxicology Unit, Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.

This guide aims to present current best practice in the treatment of paraquat poisoning. However, it needs to be emphasised, that the availability of treatment materials varies enormously between countries and primary health care providers need to be familiar with local practices and the availability of laboratory analyses.

Disclaimer
Although the authors of this guide have given the advice contained herein in good faith and on the basis of the best and most recent knowledge available at the time of this guide being published, no warranty is given or may be implied as to the correctness of the advice nor can any liability be accepted by the authors in respect thereof. Further, the likelihood of success of any treatment will also depend on other extraneous factors over which the authors have no control and which include, for example, the general health of the affected person, the period of time between ingestion and the beginning of the treatment and the quantity of product which has been ingested.