Vastumürgid

Vastumürgid, in Estonian, refers to antidotes. In medical terminology, antidotes are substances that counteract poisons by neutralizing their toxins or reversing their harmful effects. They can be specific to a particular poison or broadly acting to mitigate several toxins, and they are used as part of emergency and toxicology care.

Antidotes work through various mechanisms. Some chemically neutralize a toxin, others block its interaction with cellular targets, and some enhance toxin elimination or restore normal bodily function. The choice of antidote depends on the suspected poison, the amount absorbed, the time since exposure, and the patient’s condition. Antidotes are typically used alongside supportive measures such as airway management, fluids, and symptomatic care, and their use may be time-critical.

Commonly cited examples include: naloxone for opioid overdose; flumazenil for benzodiazepine toxicity (with caution due to seizure risk); fomepizole or ethanol for methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning; N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose; vitamin K for excessive warfarin effect; protamine sulfate to reverse heparin; and digoxin-specific antibodies for digoxin poisoning. For metal and other toxic exposures, agents such as dimercaprol, DMSA (succimer), EDTA, and penicillamine are used for various heavy metal poisonings. Antivenoms counteract venom from bites or stings, while hydroxocobalamin is used for cyanide poisoning, and deferoxamine for certain iron toxicities. Carbon monoxide poisoning is treated with high-flow oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen as a crucial supportive antidotal component.

Limitations include that not all poisons have antidotes, effectiveness depends on timing and dose, antidotes can have adverse effects, and availability varies by setting.