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Antidotes for Common Toxicities in Emergency Medicine: A Primary Care Reference Guide

In primary care and emergency medicine settings, prompt recognition and appropriate management of toxicological emergencies are crucial. This reference guide provides a summary of commonly encountered toxic agents and their corresponding antidotes, including recommended dosages in both UK (metric) and US units. It is designed to assist clinicians in making quick, informed decisions to mitigate the effects of these substances. The dosages listed are general recommendations and may need to be adjusted based on the patient's weight, age, renal function, and the severity of the poisoning.


Clinicians should consult with a medical toxicologist or poison control centre when managing cases of significant toxicity ( see list of available resources below ). This table is not exhaustive but covers a range of scenarios likely to be encountered in primary care and emergency settings. Always refer to the most recent and comprehensive clinical guidelines for the management of poisoning and overdose.


Toxic AgentAntidoteDosage in UK UnitsDosage in US Units
AcetaminophenN-Acetylcysteine (Oral)Loading: 140 mg/kg; Maintenance: 70 mg/kg every 4 hrs for 17 hrsLoading: 140 mg/kg; Maintenance: 70 mg/kg every 4 hrs for 17 hrs
ArsenicDimercaprol (IM) or Succimer (Oral)Dimercaprol: 2.5-3 mg/kg every 4 hrs on...

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