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Antidotes

Antidotes

Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes: Clinical Features

Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...

Drug Toxicity: Overview

Drug Toxicity: Overview

Drug toxicity quantifies the harm a compound causes to an organism, varying by dose and potentially impacting whole systems or specific organs like the liver. Toxic reactions may arise from venomous insect or spider bites, with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes such as brain damage or death. Common forms of acute poisoning include ethanol intoxication and overdose of pain or fever medications, with substances like GHB and heroin being particularly lethal at doses close to...

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...

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Updated: May 25, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Antidotes for toxicological emergencies: a practical review.

Jeanna M Marraffa¹, Victor Cohen, Mary Ann Howland

¹Upstate New York Poison Center, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. marraffj@upstate.edu

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

|January 21, 2012

Summary

Pharmacists play a vital role in managing poisonings and overdoses. Ensuring availability and proper use of antidotes can significantly reduce poisoning-related morbidity and mortality.

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Area of Science:

Toxicology
Emergency Medicine
Pharmacology

Background:

Poisoning is a significant cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in the US.
Over 2.4 million toxic exposures are reported annually.
National guidelines recommend hospitals stock 24 essential antidotes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review appropriate therapies for poisonings and toxicological emergencies.
To discuss the role of pharmacists in managing these emergencies.

Main Methods:

Review of current literature and guidelines on poisoning therapies.
Discussion of the pharmacist's responsibilities in antidote management.

Main Results:

Pharmacists can reduce morbidity and mortality by recognizing toxic exposures.
Pharmacists guide emergency staff on antidote use and patient monitoring.
Pharmacists manage procurement and stocking of antidotes for timely availability.

Conclusions:

Pharmacists are crucial in reducing poisoning and overdose deaths.
Early recognition and appropriate use of antidotes are key.
Pharmacists' involvement ensures timely access to life-saving therapies.