1. VEGETABLE ACID POISONS HYDROCYANIC ACID (CYANOGEN OR PRUSSIC ACID)

2. MODE OF ACTION Protoplasmic poison
Inhibits cytochrome oxidase system for oxygen utilization.

3. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS MOST RAPID OF ALL POISONS
Inhalation of gas : Instantaneous death
HCN: Large dose swallowed
Symptoms occur at once.
Some times interval of one minute which allows victim to perform voluntary acts.
Death delayed (few minutes).
Agonizing dyspnoea
Convulsions
Dilated pupils

4. SMALL DOSE SWALLOWED
Head ache
Confusion
Giddiness
Nausea
Loss of muscular power.

5. Smell of bitter almonds (mouth).
Violent convulsions.
Loss of consciousness.
Fine froth (mouth)
Death

6. INGESTION OF SALTS (POTASSIUM CYANIDE)
Symptoms appear after 10 – 20 minutes
Acted upon by HCL to liberate hydrocyanic acid
SYMPTOMS:
Giddiness
Dyspnoea
Dilated and fixed pupils
Convulsive seizures
Loss of muscle power

7. Epigastric pain
Vomiting
Cyanosis of face
Jaw clenched
Froth mouth
Respiration spasmodic
Pulse imperceptible
Death (respiratory paralysis)

8. TREATMENT
If Pt survives for 4 hrs ---- recover
Two 20 ml ampoules of 1.5 % dicobalt tetracemate –IV.
20 ml of 50% glucose.
50 ml of 1% solution of methylene blue(methyl thioneine chloride) IV.
ANTIDOTE converts haemoglobin to methaemoglobin + free cyanide.

9. POTASSIUM CYANIDE OR DILUTE HYOROCYANIC ACID POISONING
Gastric lavage with 10 to 50% Nathiosulphate or Mixture of sulphates of iron

10. Inhalation of hydrocyanic acid gas (cyanogas)
Remove the patient to fresh air
Artificial respiration
100% O2
Sodium nitrite
Sodium thiosulphate
I.V

11. Potassium ferrocyanide Potassium ferricyanide Taken with acid
Double cyanides
Potassium ferrocyanide
Potassium ferricyanide
Taken with acid
Poisonous
Non Toxic

12. Judicial Execution
Strapped to a chair
Cyanide Eggs strong acid cyano gas
Inhalation immediate death