TOXBASE

Since 1998 it has been Department of Health policy that the first point of contact for poisons information for health professionals in the UK should be TOXBASE. This database contains information on approximately 21,000 products, together with generic advice on the management of poisoning. It is available free of charge to registered NHS depatments.

By using TOXBASE, clinical staff can obtain key clinical information rapidly, including advice on potentially hazardous doses and appropriate management. A printable fact-sheet is available as a permanent record of the advice provided for that patient. The NPIS advises that it is important not to use a previously printed fact-sheet for newly presenting patients. Instead, staff should re-access TOXBASE to obtain the very latest advice, as updates on TOXBASE are performed virtually every day and old fact-sheets rapidly become out of date. The print-outs should not be provided to patients as information sheets.

Comments on the content and advice provided in TOXBASE are always welcome. Each entry is written by the NPIS, approved by all NPIS directors and regularly reviewed. Registered users who wish to discuss how to improve their use of the database are encouraged to contact the NPIS as advice on training can be provided.

The NPIS 24-hour telephone helpline (in the UK 0344 892 0111 and Ireland NPIC (01) 809 2566) is always available for discussion of more complex cases. When appropriate, senior medical staff can discuss their cases directly with an NPIS consultant clinical toxicologist.
 

Access to TOXBASE

TOXBASE is freely available to UK NHS and NHS-affiliated departments, units and practices and is available in two formats - TOXBASE on the internet and the TOXBASE app.

Access to TOXBASE on the internet is also available to commercial companies and other users, including those overseas, by annual subscription. Interested parties should submit a quotation request form or contact us for further information.

 

TOXBASE on the internet

Usernames for TOXBASE on the internet are issued per unit/practice. The registration form can be found via the Register now link found on the TOXBASE home page.

By completing the form you are requesting access to TOXBASE on the internet on behalf of your unit or practice. You will become the Account Holder and will be contacted to validate the unit/practice account on an annual basis. Applications must be submitted by a senior clinician or nurse within the unit/practice, who will be asked to provide their professional registration number.

 

TOXBASE app

The TOXBASE app is available for download to personal mobile devices from the Apple and Play app stores.  The app is free for those who register using their NHS, PHE or MoD domain email App content is updated in synch with TOXBASE so that content is always accurate, relevant and up to date.  No internet connection is needed to search the database, though regularly accessing via 3G/4G./5G/wifi is recommended to receive updates.

Further information is available from the Apple app store or Android app store.