antidotos

Antidotos are substances that counteract the effects of poisons. They may be specific, neutralizing a particular toxin, or nonspecific, reducing absorption, promoting elimination, or supporting organ function. Specific antidotes act by chemical neutralization, blocking the toxin’s action at a target site, or restoring a disrupted metabolic pathway; nonspecific treatments include decontamination, activated charcoal, gastric lavage, enhanced elimination, intravenous fluids, electrolytes, and supportive care.

Specific antidotes are used when the toxin’s mechanism is understood and a targeted intervention exists. Common examples include naloxone for opioid overdose, N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen poisoning, fomepizole for methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, atropine and pralidoxime for organophosphate poisoning, vitamin K for warfarin excess, and digoxin immune Fab for digoxin toxicity. Chelating agents, such as dimercaprol or EDTA, are used for certain heavy metal poisonings, while deferoxamine is used for iron overload.

Historically, antidotes trace to ancient practices, including the idea of mithridatism—the gradual exposure to poisons to build tolerance. In modern medicine, antidotes are selected based on toxin identification, mechanism, and available therapies, and they are not universal. In many poisoning cases, rapid decontamination and supportive care, such as airway management and hemodynamic support, are essential components of treatment.