The Roles of Antidotes in Emergency Situations

Management of the acutely poisoned patient requires supportive care and timely administration of antidotes to minimize ongoing toxicity and mortality. New applications for old antidotes include utilization of methylene blue and hydroxocobalamin in vasoplegia. Fomepizole is also being evaluated as a potential adjunct in acetaminophen toxicity. Other advancements include individualized acetylcysteine dosing regimens for acetaminophen toxicity and carnitine supplementation in valproic acid toxicity. Additional antidote considerations include administration of lipid emulsion in lipophilic xenobiotic exposure not responsive to standard resuscitative modalities. These expert recommendations provide guidance for providers caring for the acutely poisoned patient.