Antidotes and Antivenoms

Question 1

What are 3 classes of antidotes and antivenoms?

Answer 1

1. Gastrointestinal decontaminants
2. Antidotes
3. Antivenoms

Question 2

Name 2 gastrointestinal decontaminants

Answer 2

1. Activated charcoal
2. Macrogol laxatives

Question 3

Name 12 antidotes

Answer 3

1. Acetylcysteine
2. Atropine
3. Calcium gluconate
4. Digoxin-specific antibody
5. Ethanol
6. Flumazenil
7. Fuller’s earth
8. Glucagon
9. Naloxone
10. Pralidoxime
11. Pyridoxine
12. Thiamine

Question 4

Name 2 classes of antivenoms

Answer 4

1. Snake antivenoms
2. Other antivenoms

Question 5

Name 7 snake antivenoms

Answer 5

1. Black snake antivenom
2. Brown snake antivenom
3. Death adder antivenom
4. Polyvalent snake antivenom
5. Sea snake antivenom
6. Taipan antivenom
7. Tiger snake antivenom

Question 6

Name 4 miscellaneous antivenoms

Answer 6

1. Box jellyfish antivenom
2. Funnel web spider antivenom
3. Red back spider antivenom
4. Stonefish antivenom

Question 7

What is the usual thiamine regimen used in alcohol-dependent patients?

Answer 7

Thiamine 300 mg IM or IV, daily for 3 to 5 days then thiamine 300 mg orally, daily for several weeks.

Question 8

Why is parenteral administration of thiamine preferred for initial treatment in alcohol-dependent patients?

Answer 8

Initial dosing is with parenteral thiamine as absorption of oral thiamine is slow and may be incomplete in patients with poor nutritional status.

Question 9

When may higher doses/increased duration of thiamine be appropriate in the management of alcohol dependence?

Answer 9

Higher doses and a longer period of parenteral administration may be appropriate in those with Wernicke encephalopathy or suspected malnutrition

Question 10

How should glucose be given for the management of hypoglycaemia in alcohol overdose?

Answer 10

Give thiamine before administering glucose (including intravenous 5% dextrose) for hypoglycaemia because giving glucose in the context of thiamine deficiency may precipitate Wernicke encephalopathy.