Dhatura,Atropa Belladonna,Hyoscyamus Niger, Cannabis Indica and Cocaine

DATURA(Jimson weed, Thorn apple)

Toxic principles: Hyoscine,hyoscymine, atropine

Mode of action: competitively inhibit muscarinic effects of acetylcholine

Toxic effects

Blind as a bat, hot as a hare, dry as a bone, red as a beet, and mad as a wet hen

Important manifestationsDryness of mouth, thirst, slurred speechDysphagiaDilated pupilsDiplopliaDry hot skinDysuria Drunken gaitDelirium

Death

DaturaFatal Dose-100-125(60mg ,4mg).Fatal period.TreatmentStomach wash (potasium,tannic)

DecontaminationPhysostigmine- 2mg IV or Neostigmine

Forensic significance(MEDICOLEGAL IMPORTANCE)AccidentalSuicidalHomicidalStupefaction

Cannabis

Cannabis Sativa – flowering tops & leaves

Uses: AntiemeticConvulsions, anxiety, pain &

inflammation

Active principle:Tetra hydro cannabinol- THC

PREPARATIONS

Marijuana- any part of plant / its extract

Hashish (Charas)- dried resin from flowery tops (40% ACTIVE PRINCIPLE )

Ganja- resinous extract of crushed leaves of female plant (25% OF ACTIVE PRINCIPLE))

Bhang- dried mature leaves & flower stems(15%)

Sinsemilla- seedless unpollinated female plant (50% THC)

Acute poisoningEuphoriaTemporal & spatial disorientation with

intensification of sensation & increased clarity of perception

Hallucinations, sedation, dysphoriaAcute toxic psychosisTachycardia, palpitations, hypotensionStimulation of appetite

Chronic poisoningAmotivational syndrome – lethargic, apathetic,

disinterested, poor concentrationManic / paranoid psychosis

(Running amok)

Treatment: Decontamination, benzodiazipines, psycho socialtherapy

Medicosocial & Forensic issues: Drug of abuse

Cocaine (Coke, snow, cadillac, crack)Alkaloid from Erythroxylon coca

Occurs as white, shiny crystals with bitter taste & numbing taste

Uses:Topical anaesthetic for cornea Brompton’s cocktail(cocaine, morphine, chlorpromazine, alcohol)

CocaineOne of the most powerful stimulants of CNS

Whole sale price in USA- 25,000-35,000 $/ kg

India, cocaine powder- Rs 3000- 5000/gm

Acute poisoningStage of early stimulation:Euphoria, excitement, mydriasis, increased HR, BP, RR

Stage of advanced stimulation:Vomiting, muscle twitching, dyspnoea, hyperthermia, hallucinations, convulsions

Stage of depression:Paralysis of muscles, loss of reflexes, coma & death

Body packer syndrome (body stuffing):

Seen in smugglers (body stuffer / mules)

Massive over dosage & death

Cocaine addictLoses interest in family, friends, food, sexual activity

Emaciated & physically exhaustedMydriasis, anorexia, hyperactivity,

tachycardia, tachypnoea, insomniaManic, paranoid or depressive psychosisTactile hallucinations (coke bug, formication,

Magnan’s sign)

Treatment:Stomach wash, activated charcoalSymptomaticPsychotherapy

Medicolegal importanceRich man’s drug Champagne drugBody packing

PsychotropicsAntidepressants- Amphetamine (Designer

drugs)Neuroleptics- ChlorpromazineHallucinogens- LSD (Lysergic Acid

Diethylamide)

THANK YOU