Background: Acute poisoning is a significant health concern in developing countries like India. This study aimed to understand the current trends of acute poisoning in a tertiary care center in Karnataka, India.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted over three months in 2022, including all inpatients admitted with a history of acute poisoning.

Results: Of the 190 patients, 57% were males, with a mean age of 34 years. The majority were laborers (45%) or housewives (39%), illiterate (36%), and from rural areas (64%). The most common mode of poisoning was oral (80%), predominantly with pesticides (43%). The primary reason for poisoning was suicidal intent (76%). Clinically, most patients had mild to moderate severity, with 44% requiring ICU admission, and a mortality rate of 15%.

Conclusion: The study underscores the influence of socio-demographic factors in acute poisoning and the critical need for prompt management. The findings can guide healthcare providers in creating targeted strategies for prevention, early detection, and management of acute poisoning cases.