Table 1

Suggested approach to treating patients with suspected toad venom poisoning

  • Brief rapid triage with history taking and clinical assessment

  • Basic laboratory investigations including measurement of serum potassium and digoxin concentrations

  • Surface ECG and telemetry monitoring

  • Reporting to and consult with the local poison control centre

  • General life supportive measures

  • Treatment with digoxin specific Fab fragments

  • No calcium administration for hyperkalaemia

  • Retention of any samples of ingested substances for further investigations and confirmation