DRUGS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES

Drugs and their antidotes are common one-liners and direct questions in Pharmacology in NEET-PG, AIIMS and medical PG entrances.
They are also frequently asked in medical school vivas.

This article enlists the most commonly asked drugs and their antidotes for a rapid revision before exams.

DRUG ANTIDOTE
Acetaminophen;paracetamolN-Acetylcysteine or methionoine
Anticholinergics(eg, atropine)Physostigmine
Anticholinesterases (Organophosphates)Pralidoxime (cholinesterase reactivator) and atropine (competitive antagonist at acetylcholine receptor)
BenzodiazepinesFlumazenil
Carbon monoxideOxygen
CyanideSodiun thiosulphate, sodium nitrite
DigoxinFab antibody or D-penicillamine
Heavy metals (Arsenic , mercury or gold)Dimercaprol or D-penicillamine
HeparinProtamine sulphate
IsoniazidPyridoxine
IronDesferrioxamine(chelating agent)
Leadpenicillamine or calcium sodium edenate
MethanolIV ethanol (competes with alcohol dehydrogenase)
OpiatesNaloxene/Naltreoxone (competitive antagonisht at opiate receptor)
WarfarinVitamin K

If you think we forgot any drugs and antidotes, do let us know in the comments below.
Also, let us know which high yield medical topic or list you would like for us to publish next.
Happy studying, medico 🙂
– TEAM MEDICOMAESTRO

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