A database which the National Poisons Information Centre hopes will lead to more efficient treatment of people exposed to toxins has been made available to hospitals in the State.
Toxbase will be available online to accident and emergency departments and intensive care units.
The database, which contains information on about 14,000 products and substances, is available free to registered users, but is not for personal use by health service staff or for public access. The database is used by the information centre's British counterpart.
It will enhance the service of the centre, which is at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, but will not replace it, said Dr Joe Tracey, its director.
The 24-hour telephone information service provided by the centre will continue, as will arrangements for night cover from the Cardiff Poisons Information Centre.
Once hospitals register, they will have access to the information. Substances in the database include prescription, over-the-counter and illicit drugs; industrial, agro-chemical and garden chemicals; household and veterinary products; cosmetics and toiletries; plants, animals, fish, insects and snakes.