Antidotes and toxicology

43 drugs

Antivenoms

• About this sectionHorse antibodies that neutralise the venom of snakes, coral snakes or caterpillars. In Colombia the INS…
• Polyvalent coral snake antivenom (Micrurus)Neurotoxins of Micrurus venom
• Polyvalent Lonomia antivenomProcoagulant and fibrinolytic toxins of Lonomia venom
• Polyvalent snake antivenom (Bothrops and Crotalus)Toxins of Bothrops and Crotalus venoms

Chelating agents

• About this sectionMolecules that grip a metal ion in a ring-shaped complex so the body can excrete it. Each one suits certain…
• DeferasiroxFerric iron (Fe3+)
• DeferiproneFerric iron (Fe3+)
• DeferoxamineFree iron and iron in ferritin and haemosiderin
• DimercaprolHeavy-metal ions (arsenic, mercury, lead)
• PenicillamineCopper and cystine
• Sodium calcium edetateLead (and other divalent metals such as zinc)
• SuccimerLead, arsenic and mercury ions
• UnithiolArsenic and mercury ions in blood and tissues

Drugs of abuse

• About this sectionPsychoactive substances used outside medical care: stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociatives, cannabinoids…
• CannabisCannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1); CB2 on immune cells
• Diamorphine (heroin)Mu-opioid receptor (after conversion to morphine)
• Inhaled solventsNMDA and GABA-A receptors and other ion channels (anaesthetic-like actions)
• Lysergide (LSD)Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (also other 5-HT and dopamine receptors)
• MDMA (midomafetamine)Monoamine transporters: serotonin transporter (SERT) first, plus VMAT2
• Methamphetamine (metamfetamine)Dopamine and noradrenaline transporters (DAT, NET) and VMAT2; also the receptor TAAR1
• Phencyclidine (PCP)NMDA glutamate receptor channel (pore site shared with ketamine)
• PsilocybinSerotonin 5-HT2A receptor (via its active form, psilocin)
• Synthetic cannabinoidsCannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1)
• XylazineCentral alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (like clonidine)

Herbal products and dietary supplements

• About this sectionPlant extracts and purified substances sold as supplements. Evidence of benefit is often weak, while…
• Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone)Mitochondrial electron transport chain (as its own carrier)
• EchinaceaImmune cells (proposed immune stimulation)
• GarlicPlatelets and cholesterol synthesis (allicin and related sulfur compounds)
• GinkgoPlatelet-activating factor and vascular tone (proposed)
• GinsengMultiple targets of ginsenosides (proposed)
• GlucosamineCartilage glycosaminoglycan synthesis (substrate)
• KavaCentral nervous system (kavalactones; mechanism not established)
• Milk thistleNo established target (silymarin extract)
• Red yeast riceHMG-CoA reductase (via monacolin K)
• Saw palmetto5-alpha reductase (inhibited in vitro only)
• St John's wortPregnane X receptor (PXR), which switches on CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein; also monoamine reuptake
• ValerianCentral nervous system (mechanism not established)

Specific antidotes

• About this sectionMedicines that reverse or neutralise one poison or a small group of poisons. They support, but never…
• AcetylcysteineHepatic glutathione and the toxic metabolite NAPQI
• Activated charcoalAdsorption of the poison in the gut lumen
• Digoxin immune FabDigoxin itself (and other cardiac glycosides)
• FlumazenilGABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site (α1/γ2 interface)
• FomepizoleAlcohol dehydrogenase
• Methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue)Methaemoglobin, through NADPH-dependent reduction
• PralidoximeAcetylcholinesterase inhibited by an organophosphate
• Prussian blueCaesium and thallium ions in the intestine
• Sodium nitriteHaemoglobin (converted to methaemoglobin)
• Sodium thiosulfateRhodanese (thiosulfate sulfurtransferase)

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← Pharmacology

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Representative model, for educational purposes only.