10, 11Ī cross-sectional survey of 17 hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, revealed inconsistency in essential antidote stocking, with clear variation in stocking between commonly in-demand antidotes versus those rarely used. 8, 9 In addition, some antidotes have multiple indications besides their use in poisoning cases, such as flumazenil, which is used in benzodiazepine reversal in conscious sedation or general anaesthesia but then again is also used for the management of benzodiazepine, alcohol, cannabis and other substance overdoses.

The difficulty in planning and forecasting stock requirements of antidotes arises from the infrequent and sporadic use of specific antidotes, such as the rare incidence of methanol toxicity in some regions, nonetheless can occur in the form of outbreaks. There is a lack of data describing utilization of antidotes and the incidence of poisoning cases, where patterns can also vary between regions.

Despite that, shortages and lack of antidote stocking have been described, and inappropriate stocking of antidotes is a universal problem, which has been reported in many countries. Antidotes can be lifesaving, and delay or shortage of an antidote can compromise a patient's life. Antidotes are medications that can counteract a particular poison and are a critical component in poisoning management. Poisoning with a medication, herb or chemical substance can lead to severe patient outcomes, ranging from a need for observation to mortality.

Antidote benzodiazepine toxicity