News (2017)

See how the Maryland Poison Center is making headlines across the state of Maryland and beyond in 2017.

Please visit the news archive to explore stories that highlight previous accomplishments at the Maryland Poison Center.

Recent News:

Two glasses of champagnes surrounded by holiday bulbs and garland. Holiday Poison Hazards Featured in November/December Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: December 11, 2017
The holidays should be a time of joy and family get-togethers. Don’t let a mishap with holiday items, medicine or food spoil the festivities. Read more...
Child examining tablets from a medicine bottle. Clonidine Overdoses Spotlighted in November Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: November 15, 2017
Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that is approved for the management of hypertension, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and as adjunctive therapy for management of cancer pain. Read more...
Six apricots pictured with one apricot's pitt exposed. Acute Cyanide Toxicity from Amygdalin Featured in October Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: October 26, 2017
The husband of a woman who made a smoothie out of 2-3 apricots, pits and all, called the Maryland Poison Center. She was asymptomatic, but he was worried about possible cyanide toxicity. Is there cause for concern? Read more...
Mom looking at son with an exasperated facial expression Pre-Teen and Teen Substance Use Featured in September/October Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: October 10, 2017
Parents, do you often feel as though you are one step behind your kids when it comes to their knowledge of the world they live in? If so, you are not alone. Read more...
Several aspirin tablets appear on table in front of bottle of aspirin medications Salicylate Poisonings Spotlighted in September Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: September 14, 2017
Many OTC and prescription medications contain salicylates such as aspirin, methyl salicylate, salicylic acid and others. Read more...
Image of a smart phone screen with teal banner reading Maryland Poison Center Launches New eAntidote Blog
Date Published: September 5, 2017
eAntidote provides a behind the scenes look at life at a poison center, practical tips to keep your family safe, and a hard look at current poison news and trends. Read more...
Black canister with phenibut label displayed across the front. Phenibut Featured in August Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: August 23, 2017
The Maryland Poison Center received a call from an emergency department (ED) about a patient who purchased phenibut on the internet as a supplement for anxiety. Read more...
Black square with the word Poison Myths Spotlighted in July/August Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: August 22, 2017
The Maryland Poison Center (MPC) answers over 44,000 calls every year. Callers are often shocked to find substances they think are deadly poisons are actually not a problem. Read more...
Maryland Poison Center Shows It’s the Season for Snakes Maryland Poison Center Shows It’s the Season for Snakes
Date Published: July 28, 2017
Snakebite season is upon us, and the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) seeks to educate the public on best practices in snakebite prevention and first aid in response to numerous snakebite reports.
Two red abrin seeds against a solid blue background. Abrin Spotlighted in July Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: July 21, 2017
The Maryland Poison Center was recently consulted on a case involving a suicidal adult who by history ingested 400‐500 “abrin” seeds that were bought on the internet. Read more...
Large black widow spider is photographed on a web from the underside to display the red hourglass marking. Black Widow Spider Bites Highlighted in June Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: June 27, 2017
Black widow spiders (Lactrodectus mactans) are nocturnal, non‐aggressive spiders that inhabit much of the United States, including Maryland. Read more...
Colorful magnets displaying the Berlin city name are photographed against a solid beige surface. Household Objects and Substances Featured in May/June Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: June 16, 2017
Did you know the Maryland Poison Center (MPC) manages calls about people swallowing objects and substances in and around the house? It is probably not surprising that these calls are com- mon in young children. Read more...
Maryland Poison Center Celebrates National Poison Prevention Week Maryland Poison Center Celebrates National Poison Prevention Week
Date Published: March 2, 2017
Observed March 19-25, National Poison Prevention Week helps raise awareness about the dangers of poisonings and promotes steps that families can take to prevent them.