ABSTRACT
Most poisoned patients recover with little more than reassurance and/or supportive care. In more severe cases of poisoning, supportive measures directed particularly at the cardiovascular and respiratory systems may be required. Measures to promote the elimination of drugs or other poisons from the body are not often indicated, and antidotal therapy, if available, is rarely needed except in the treatment of paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning. However, the administration of an antidote can be lifesaving in the appropriate circumstances and may also help reduce morbidity and also health care costs by shortening the duration of treatment. Some antidotes suggested for use in the treatment of some common types of poisoning are listed in Appendix 1.
