<P> Potassium cyanide is a potent inhibitor of cellular respiration , acting on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase , hence blocking oxidative phosphorylation . This prevents the body from oxidizing food to produce useful energy . Lactic acidosis then occurs as a consequence of anaerobic metabolism . Initially , acute cyanide poisoning causes a red or ruddy complexion in the victim because the tissues are not able to use the oxygen in the blood . The effects of potassium and sodium cyanide are identical , and symptoms of poisoning typically occur within a few minutes of ingesting the substance : the person loses consciousness , and brain death eventually follows . During this period the victim may suffer convulsions . Death is caused by cerebral hypoxia . </P>
<P> Potassium cyanide is a potent inhibitor of cellular respiration , acting on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase , hence blocking oxidative phosphorylation . This prevents the body from oxidizing food to produce useful energy . Lactic acidosis then occurs as a consequence of anaerobic metabolism . Initially , acute cyanide poisoning causes a red or ruddy complexion in the victim because the tissues are not able to use the oxygen in the blood . The effects of potassium and sodium cyanide are identical , and symptoms of poisoning typically occur within a few minutes of ingesting the substance : the person loses consciousness , and brain death eventually follows . During this period the victim may suffer convulsions . Death is caused by cerebral hypoxia . </P>
how long does it take potassium cyanide to kill you
how long does it take potassium cyanide to kill you
within a few minutes of ingesting the substance
within a few minutes of ingesting the substance