Antidote

From ArticleWorld

An antidote is a biochemical substance that is used to counteract or neutralize the effects of a poison, venom or toxin. Antidotes can be manufactured as a chemical product or can be an antibody extracted from an animal source. General antidotes include things such as activated charcoal that binds or absorbs many different kinds of poisons that are then eliminated from the body.

Antidotes against medications

Some medications can be toxic at high levels or in situations where the individual is allergic. Acetaminophen toxicity is treated with N-acetyl cysteine that competes with the same receptors as the drug and reduces its effect on the body. Opioid toxicity is treated with Naloxone which is an agonist/antagonist molecule, meaning it also competes for receptor sites but counteracts the effect of the opioid. Iron poisoning is treated with binding agents that “chelate” the metal and make it safe. Benzodiazepines are able to be antagonized similar to opioids.

Poison antidotes

Cyanide poisoning has several agents, including amyl nitrite and sodium nitrite, to counteract its effects. Ethylene glycol, a substance found in anti-freeze, is treated by giving ethanol to the patient. Methanol poisoning is treated similarly with ethanol, which is less toxic and competes for receptor sites with the toxin. Excessive carbon monoxide results in meth-hemoglobinemia because carbon monoxide competes for oxygen sites on the hemoglobin molecule. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy counteracts that competition. Pesticide poisoning is treated with agents that counteract its effect on the anticholinergic (parasympathetic) nervous system.

Venom antidotes

A snake bite is a common venom-related poison. The use of a tourniquet can prevent generalization of the snake-bite venom temporarily. Antibody therapy against certain venomous snakes exists.