Tox Info Suisse is the official poison information center in Switzerland. Doctors and other medical specialists provide 24/7 information in the event of poisoning or suspected poisoning via the emergency number 145 (+41 44 251 51 51 from outside Switzerland). Tox Info Suisse has extensive documentation on chemicals, drugs, poisonous plants and animals, food and other products. In addition, Tox Info Suisse contributes to the prevention and successful treatment of poisoning by monitoring up-to-date medical know-how. In the beginning there were 2,000 consultations per year, but the number has grown to more than 40,000 inquiries about poisoning: 40% of all inquiries relate to children under five. Tox Info Suisse is the right place for private individuals, medical specialists and companies to come when in need of information or advice relating to poisoning.
Short portrait
On the trail of poison for over 50 years
In 1966 the pharmacists' association - today pharmaSuisse - laid the foundation stone for Tox Info Suisse. Also on board at the beginning were forensic doctors from the University of Zurich and the Intercantonal Poison Commission, who actively contributed to the development of the documentation. The private, non-profit foundation is now run by pharmaSuisse, scienceindustries, santésuisse and SUVA. Additionally there are subvention and service contracts with the cantons, the Federal Office of Public Health, swissmedic, FMH and H+. Donations by organisations and private individuals as well as service contracts with companies generate further income.
Tox Info Suisse has also been a legally and independent associated institute of the University of Zurich (Faculty of Medicine) since 2011.
The most important services at a glance:
- 24/7 emergency hotline 145
- Information and advice relating on poisoning for private individuals and medical professionals
- Consultation related to poisons
- Tox Info App
- Documentation and treatment schemes
- Consultation and services for companies
- Risk assessments and expert opinions
- Poisoning prevention
- Pharmacovigilance of veterinary drugs
- Accredited training site (category B) for specialist medical training in clinical pharmacology and toxicology
- Research and education