A patient ingested some unknown substance and presented with myoclonic jerks, seizures, tachycardia and hypotension. ECG shows a hea rate of 120/min. The aerial blood revealed a pH of 7.25, pCO2of 30mm Hg and bicarbonate ions are 15mmol/L. The most likely poisonous agent is:: (A) Amanita phylloids, (B) Ethylene glycol, (C) Imipramine, (D) Phencyclidine
Answer is C. Ref: KDT 8TH ED. Features are typical of tricyclic antidepressant poisoning. TCAs posses anticholinergic activity that can result in tachycardia. These agents can lead to metabolic acidosis (pH<7.4, HCO3<24mmol/L). Seizures and myoclonic jerks are other features of TCA poisoning.