In general, toxic agents can be classified into two groups: those for which specific treatment exists and others for which there is no specific therapy. Toxicological emergencies are encountered frequently in intensive care unit (ICU) practice, either as a result of drug overdose (accidental or suicidal) or due to drug toxicity secondary to inappropriate drug dosing or drug interactions. This review provides an overview of the role of antidotes in poisoning. Vitamins such as vitamin K, folic acid and pyridoxine are used to antagonise the effects of warfarin, methotrexate and INH respectively in the setting of toxicity or overdose. Drugs such as atropine and magnesium are used to counteract the end-organ effects in organophosphorus poisoning. Drugs such as N-acetyl cysteine and sodium thiocyanate reduce the formation of toxic metabolites in paracetamol and cyanide poisoning respectively. naloxone, flumazenil) are other mechanisms by which antidotes act. oximes for organophosphorus poisoning) and competitive receptor blockade (e.g. ethanol for methanol poisoning), enhancement of enzyme function (e.g. In some situations, enhanced elimination can be achieved by urinary alkalization or hemadsorption. Specific binders include chelating agents, bioscavenger therapy and immunotherapy. The most commonly used non-specific binding agent is activated charcoal. Reduction in free toxin level can be achieved by specific and non-specific agents that bind to the toxin.
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