Cardiac arrhythmias and shock are often prominent features of poisoning. These probably result from combinations of effects of fluid and electrolyte disturbances and direct actions of fluoride on heart and vascular tissues. Hypotension and severe arrhythmias, sometimes progressing to ventricular fibrillation, characterize severe poisonings. Toxic actions on the brain are manifest as headache, muscular weakness, salivation, nystagmus, dilated pupils, lethargy, stupor and coma. Occasionally, convulsions occur.
Respiratory failure is usually the immediate cause of death.