Antidotes 

What are Antidotes?

An antidote is a drug, chelating substance, or a chemical that counteracts (neutralizes) the effects of another drug or a poison.

There are dozens of different antidotes; however, some may only counteract one particular drug, whereas others (such as charcoal) may help reduce the toxicity of numerous drugs. Most antidotes are not 100% effective, and fatalities may still occur even when an antidote has been given. Some examples of antidotes include:

  • Acetylcysteine for acetaminophen poisoning
  • Activated charcoal for most poisons
  • Atropine for organophosphates and carbamates
  • Digoxin immune fab for digoxin toxicity
  • Dimercaprol for arsenic, gold, or inorganic mercury poisoning
  • Flumazenil for benzodiazepine overdose
  • Methylene blue for drug-induced methemoglobinemia
  • Naloxone for opioid overdose
  • Pralidoxime for poisoning by anti-cholinesterase nerve agents.

List of Antidotes