Human & experimental toxicology
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The aim of this study was to determine the availability of antidotes to poisons in Wales and the South West of England. A stocklist of antidotes that are available to accident and emergency departments was requested and was compared with recommendations from the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). Chief pharmacists were invited to complete a short questionnaire regarding knowledge of existing guidelines. ⋯ Some antidotes to poisons are not available in a timely fashion in Wales and the South West of England. There is a lack of awareness of existing guidelines. New recommendations relevant to clinical need and local practice should ideally be developed.