Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Q: What could be the 4 life threatening concerns in Flouride toxicity?


Answer: Electrolyte imbalance
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Hypocalcemia
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypomagnesemia

Fluoride overdose can happen in over ingestion of toothpaste, vitamins, dietary supplements. But ingestion of insecticides and rodenticides (eg, sodium fluoride) are most of concern.

Ingested fluoride can form hydrofluoric acid in the stomach and leads to corrosive effects. Once absorbed, fluoride binds calcium and leads to hypocalcemia. Fluoride has direct cytotoxic effects and interferes with a number of enzyme systems. Fluoride inhibits Na /K ATPase, which may lead to hyperkalemia by extracellular release of potassium. Seizures may result from severe hypomagnesemia.

There is no antidote and the treatment is electrolyte correction.

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