Rodenticides

Controlling rodent pests is a continuing goal of mankind. To this end, a multitude of rodenticides have been produced, each designed to kill rodents by exerting their toxic effects on various body systems. But the large domestic use of such toxic chemicals can lead to human unintentional exposure or deliberate self-poisoning. The most commonly reported intoxications are those caused by anticoagulant rodenticides. They act by interrupting cellular recycling of vitamin K and inducing a secondary coagulopathy. Vitamin K therapy is the antidotal treatment. For life-threatening bleeding, the use of clotting factor concentrates is essential for immediate anticoagulation reversal. Other cases of rodenticide hazards are reported with convulsant poisons such as chloralose. Illegally imported foreign products can also result in domestic exposures to unusual toxic chemicals. Therapeutic success in these poisonings is mainly dependant upon symptomatic and supportive care.