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.
- 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.