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. Most antidotes are not 100% effective, and fatalities may still occur even when an antidote has been given. Some examples of antidotes include:
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.
