News (2022)

See how the Maryland Poison Center is making headlines across the state of Maryland and beyond in 2022.

Please visit the  to explore stories that highlight previous accomplishments and publications at the Maryland Poison Center.

Recent News:

Sodium Nitrite

Sodium Nitrite Poisoning Spotlighted in the December Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: December 15, 2022
Nitrite toxicity involves the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that causes smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in hypotension. Recent literature highlights an increase in sodium nitrite suicide attempts. Read more...

Child reaching into an open suitcase on a bed with medicine in it

Poison Safety Tips While Traveling Highlighted in the November/December Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: November 17, 2022
Poisonings don’t take a vacation. They happen 365 days a year. Stay safe while away with these tips! Read more...

Chemical structure of Lidocaine

Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity Spotlighted in November Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: November 16, 2022
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used to decrease pain from injuries and prevent pain from surgeries and minor interventions. Read more...

Maryland Poison Center's 50th Anniversary Banner 

Maryland Poison Center Celebrates 50 Years of Service
Date Published: November 9, 2022
From gasoline ingestions, to anthrax, to laundry packets, help has been a call away for five decades. Read more...

 

One Size May Not Fit All When Treating Calcium Channel Blockers Spotlighted in October Issue of MPC’s ToxTidbits
Date Published: October 31, 2022
Calcium channel blockers are a commonly used class of medications that consist of nondihydropyridines (NDHPs) and dihydropyridines (DHPs). Read more...

Jimsonweed pod and seeds

Jimsonweed Highlighted in September/October Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: October 12, 2022
Jimsonweed, also known as “thorn apple” or “devil’s trumpet,” is a plant that’s flowers bloom in the summer and seed pods bloom in the fall. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Read more...

Aerosol Can

Euphoria from pyrethROIDs? Spotlighted in August Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: August 31, 2022
PyrethRINs are naturally occurring insecticides extracted from the flower Chrysanthemum cinerariefolium. PyrethROIDs are synthetic derivatives that are more stable, less volatile, have a prolonged residual duration of several days, and are more likely to cause symptoms in humans. Read more...

white sugar cubes

Euglycemic DKA from SGLT2 Inhibitors Spotlighted in July Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: July 25, 2022
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are newer medications prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure. One unique adverse effect associated with SGLT2i’s is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Read more...

Image of a poison hemlock flower

Poison Hemlock Highlighted in July/August Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: July 20, 2022
Poison hemlock is a toxic weed that grows in almost every state in the United States. It is found in fields and vacant lots and along roads, fences, and streams. All parts of the plant are toxic. Read more...

Senna flower

Senna Associated Dermatitis Spotlighted in June Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: June 27, 2022
There are multiple OTC laxatives approved for use in adults and children. Each has side effects, but dermatitis is most reported with senna. Read more...

Various sizes of cylindrical batteries laid in a row

Cylindrical Battery Ingestions Spotlighted in May Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: May 31, 2022
Although cylindrical batteries (A, AA, AAA, C or D cell) are often viewed as less harmful
than button batteries, toxic effects can still occur under certain circumstances. Read more...

A person bending down on one knee to apply herbicides to their lawn

Herbicides Highlighted in May/June Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: May 18, 2022
Herbicides, also known as weed killers, are a common household product. The spring season brings warmer weather and a chance to spend more time outside. You may also notice more weeds growing in your lawn or garden. Read more...

Metformin chemical structure 

Extracorporeal Removal of Metformin Spotlighted in April Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: April 25, 2022
Metformin is the only biguanide antidiabetic agent available in the US. It is available as a single agent, in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, as well as in combination with other medications used in the management of diabetes. Read more...

Icon of a nose with lines underneath signifying inhaling in and out of the nose 

Aromatic Ammonia Inhalants Spotlighted in March Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: March 21, 2022
Ammonia inhalants have been around for centuries. They are used to revive someone who has fainted. Recently, smelling salts have been used to enhance athletic performance, especially in activities that require maximum effort for a short time. Read more...

The words

The Truth Behind Poison Myths Highlighted in March/April Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: March 10, 2022
There are many myths about poisons and poison centers. We’re here to provide the truth behind these eight common myths. Read more...

 

Colorful figures of people of all ages around text in the center stating

Maryland Poison Center Celebrates National Poison Prevention Week
Date Published: March 1, 2022
Observed March 20-26, National Poison Prevention Week helps raise awareness about the dangers of poisonings and promotes steps that everyone can take to prevent them. Read more...

white pills sitting next to open medicine bottle

Dialysis of Gabapentin and Pregabalin Spotlighted in February Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: February 21, 2022
Gabapentin and pregabalin, collectively called the gabapentinoids, are approved for neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia, adjunct therapy for focal seizures, and are also prescribed for migraine, restless leg syndromes, and other indications. Read more...

A historical photo of MPC specialists next to a recent photo of MPC specialists 

Maryland Poison Center's 50 Years of Expert Care Highlighted in January/February Issue of MPC's Poison Prevention Press
Date Published: January 26, 2022
Since 1972, it has been our mission to decrease the cost and complexity of poisoning and overdose care while maintaining and/or improving patient outcomes. Read more...

Lithium element

Extracorporeal Removal of Lithium Spotlightd in January Issue of MPC's ToxTidbits
Date Published: January, 20, 2022
Lithium is a naturally occurring alkali metal and monovalent cation that has been used medically since the beginning of the 19th century. The mechanism of action is complex and multiple mechanisms have been proposed. Read more...

graphic of people answering the phone with supporting text of the MPC's website and phone number

The Maryland Poison Center Celebrates 50 Years of Expert Care
Date Published: January 18, 2022
State-wide service located at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022. Read more...