Skip to main content

Poison Information Centre

Founded as an innovative toxicology laboratory at Tygerberg Hospital, the Poison Information Centre, housed within the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, is dedicated to ensuring every poisoning case receives informed, timely and effective management. Through expert consultation, rigorous research and comprehensive education, we equip healthcare professionals and communities with the knowledge to prevent harm and confidently address toxic exposures.

Our multidisciplinary team – trained in medicine, pharmacy, and medical sciences – works to minimise complications, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, and provide clear, science-based recommendations. We assist with various poisoning cases daily, guiding people through toxic exposures safely and effectively.

Our areas of expertise include:

  • Acute poisonings - Guiding the management of exposures to medicines, household chemicals, industrial substances, pesticides, and toxic plants and animals.
  • Occupational and environmental toxicology - Addressing workplace and environmental exposure risks.
  • Forensic toxicology - Supporting legal and medical investigations involving toxic substances.
  • Mass exposure and disaster response - Providing expertise in handling large-scale poisoning events such as transit and industrial accidents.
  • Pharmacotherapy and drug monitoring - Offering insights into therapeutic drug monitoring and the safe, effective use of medicines.
     

Contact us
24-hour emergency number
+27 861 555 777

Administrative contact number:  
+27 21 938 6084 (during office hours)
[email protected]

Physical address
Tygerberg Campus
Francie van Zijl Drive

“Through expert consultation, rigorous research, and comprehensive education, we empower healthcare professionals and communities with the knowledge to prevent harm and to respond confidently to toxic exposures.”