How does mouse poison affect a person? - briefly
Rodenticide containing anticoagulant agents disrupts vitamin K recycling, leading to uncontrolled bleeding that appears as bruising, blood in urine, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage within hours to days after exposure. Without prompt treatment with vitamin K1, the condition can be fatal.
How does mouse poison affect a person? - in detail
Rodent control agents, particularly anticoagulant formulations, interfere with the vitamin K cycle, preventing the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Ingested doses as low as 5 mg of second‑generation compounds can produce measurable coagulopathy. Initial signs often appear 24–48 hours after exposure and include spontaneous bruising, gum bleeding, epistaxis, and hematuria. Laboratory tests reveal prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), reduced fibrinogen, and elevated D‑dimer levels.
Neurotoxic rodenticides such as bromethalin act by disrupting mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, leading to cerebral edema. Symptoms develop within 12–24 hours and may comprise headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Imaging typically shows diffuse cerebral swelling without focal lesions. Treatment is supportive: airway protection, seizure control with benzodiazepines, and osmotic agents (e.g., mannitol) to reduce intracranial pressure.
Zinc phosphide releases phosphine gas when it contacts gastric acid. Phosphine impairs cellular respiration by inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase. Acute poisoning presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, metabolic acidosis, and rapid cardiovascular collapse. Electrocardiograms often show arrhythmias, and blood gases reveal a high anion‑gap acidosis. No specific antidote exists; management relies on aggressive decontamination (gastric lavage, activated charcoal) and intensive supportive care, including vasopressors and mechanical ventilation.
Management of anticoagulant toxicity requires immediate vitamin K₁ therapy, typically 10 mg orally or intravenously every 6 hours until coagulation parameters normalize, followed by a prolonged oral course (3–6 weeks) to prevent rebound coagulopathy. Fresh frozen plasma or prothrombin complex concentrates may be administered for life‑threatening hemorrhage. Monitoring includes serial PT/INR assessments and observation for delayed bleeding.
Prevention strategies focus on secure storage of rodenticide products, use of tamper‑resistant bait stations, and education of household members about the risks of accidental ingestion or dermal contact. Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks) is recommended when handling concentrated formulations. Prompt recognition of exposure signs and early initiation of appropriate therapy markedly improve outcomes.