Therapeutische Umschau. Revue thérapeutique
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Antidotal compounds are principally classified into three groups. The most important compounds are available in all hospitals and pharmacies. ⋯ Cantonal Pharmacy of Zurich: anti-venoms and radionucleotide-antidotes). Ongoing routine collaboration between the Swiss Toxicological Information Centre (STIC) and the Swiss Association of Hospital Pharmacists (GSASA) is important for continuous and competent information about the availability of newly developed antidotal drugs in Switzerland.
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Comparative Study
[Primary decontamination: vomiting, gastric irrigation or only medicinal charcoal?].
Procedures to reduce the absorption of ingested poisons have been employed widely for decades in the management of intoxicated patients. However, evidence of substantial clinical benefit to the majority of patients undergoing such treatments is lacking. Volunteer studies suggest that activated charcoal is generally more effective than either syrup of ipecacuanha or gastric lavage, though lavage may be more effective than syrup of ipecacuanha. ⋯ A recent study suggests that activated charcoal may be superior both to lavage and syrup of ipecacuanha. Based on these studies it would seem reasonable to recommend that 50 to 100 g activated charcoal be administered to patients who have taken a substantial amount of a toxic substance less than one hour previously. This may be done conveniently by using an orogastric tube, which would also allow lavage to be undertaken with possible additional benefit.