Pediatric clinics of North America
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Ingestion of potentially poisonous agents is a common reason for children to present to an emergency department. The clinician must decide whether gastrointestinal decontamination is indicated for these patients. The controversy over the type of gastrointestinal decontamination is resolving and recent recommendations are reviewed. Also two new antidotes, fomepizole for toxic alcohols and octreotide for sulfonylureas, are reviewed.