Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 38-51: Petroleum Distillates & Solvents + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Toxicity may occur from inhalation of the vapor or as a result of pulmonary aspiration of the liquid during or after ingestion + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Acute manifestations of aspiration pneumonitis Vomiting Coughing Bronchopneumonia With some hydrocarbons (eg, phenol, carbon tetrachloride), severe systemic poisoning can occur after oral ingestion Systemic intoxication can also occur by inhalation of volatile hydrocarbons Vertigo, muscular incoordination, irregular pulse, myoclonus, and seizures occur with serious poisoning and may be due to hypoxemia or the systemic effects of the agents Chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons (eg, trichloroethylene, freons) and many other hydrocarbons can cause ventricular arrhythmias because of increased sensitivity of the myocardium to the effects of endogenous catecholamines + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Coughing or choking immediately after ingestion suggests pulmonary aspiration Chest film findings may be delayed for several hours Chronic toluene abuse associated with renal tubular acidosis, hypokalemia + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Move the patient to fresh air Administration of activated charcoal (60–100 g mixed in aqueous slurry orally or via gastric tube) may be helpful if the preparation contains toxic solutes (eg, an insecticide) or is an aromatic or halogenated product Observe the victim for 6–8 h for signs of aspiration pneumonitis Corticosteroids are not recommended If fever occurs, give a specific antibiotic only after identification of the bacterial pathogens Because of the risk of arrhythmias, use bronchodilators with caution in patients with chlorinated or fluorinated solvent intoxication If tachyarrhythmias occur, use esmolol 25–100 mcg/kg/min intravenously