Mechanisms of Toxicity, Clinical Features, and Management of Diquat Poisoning: A Review

After rapid confirmation of the diagnosis using a qualitative urine test, gut decontamination may be considered in patients who present within 1 hour of a life-threatening ingestion (>6 g). Supportive measures including fluid and electrolyte replacement should then be employed. Although hemofiltration and hemodialysis are of proven value if renal failure supervenes, there is no clinical evidence that hemodialysis or hemoperfusion removes toxicologically significant amounts of diquat, thereby reducing the risk of organ failure and preventing a fatal outcome in severe cases.