5th March 2024

Haemodialysis for poisoning

A useful mnemonic (AEIOU) outlines the broad domains where dialysis may be indicated. It is as follows: acidosis, electrolyte imbalance (refractory hyperkalemia), intoxicants, overload (pulmonary oedema) and uraemic complications (encephalopathy and pericarditis). The effectiveness of haemodialysis in poisoning depends on several characteristics of the offending drug. A drug which has a relatively small molecular weight, less protein binding, less volume of distribution and reduced plasma clearance would be more easily dialysable. A list of the main drugs that can be considered for haemodialysis is below:

• Alcohols
• Aspirin
• Barbiturates
• Carbamazepine
• Ethylene glycol
• Gentamicin
• Lithium
• Theophylline
• Vancomycin