Adverse drug reactions to poison antidotes: Part 2

Authors

Alison L. Jones, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

62723

Publication Details

Jones, A. L. (2004). Adverse drug reactions to poison antidotes: Part 2. Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin, (229), x-xi+xvii-xviii.

Abstract

Administration of antidotes such as dicobalt edetate in cyanide poisoning or dimercaprol in arsenic poisoning carries a high risk of adverse reactions, and the clinical decision to use the antidote is only taken in severe poisoning. Supportive measures such as ventilation may be required in addition to the antidote. In pregnancy, it is usually reasoned that treatment of the mother takes precedence and provides the best chance for fetal survival, notwithstanding worries about teratogenicity.