Question 1

What antidotes are covered in this reference tool?

Accepted Answer

This tool covers 34 antidotes organised by RCEM/NPIS category: Category A (immediately available in ED) includes acetylcysteine, naloxone, flumazenil, atropine, DigiFab, glucagon, sodium bicarbonate, hydroxocobalamin, calcium, methylene blue, intralipid, activated charcoal, procyclidine, sodium thiosulfate, and viper antivenom. Category B (within 1 hour) includes HIET, thiamine, cyproheptadine, dantrolene, fomepizole, desferrioxamine, octreotide, pyridoxine, folinic acid, L-carnitine, idarucizumab, andexanet alfa, phytomenadione, protamine, and whole bowel irrigation. Category C (supra-regional) includes pralidoxime, Prussian Blue, sodium calcium edetate, and botulinum antitoxin.

Question 2

What guidelines are these antidote doses based on?

Accepted Answer

All antidotes, doses, and management protocols are based on the RCEM/NPIS Antidote Guideline List Version 7 (September 2023), TOXBASE (National Poisons Information Service), the British National Formulary (BNF and BNFc), and other published clinical guidelines including the RCEM/NPIS Opioid Best Practice Guideline 2024 and Royal College of Physicians Wernicke's guidelines.

Question 3

Does this tool include paediatric antidote doses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every antidote card has a separate paediatric dosing tab with weight-based doses sourced from the BNFc and TOXBASE. A clear warning is displayed to always verify paediatric doses with the BNFc and pharmacy before administration.

Question 4

What is the NPIS contact number for the UK?

Accepted Answer

The National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) in the UK can be reached 24/7 at 0344 892 0111. For Ireland, the National Poisons Information Centre is available at 01 809 2566. TOXBASE is available online at www.toxbase.org.

Question 5

Is this tool suitable for MRCEM exam revision?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This tool covers all major antidotes tested in the MRCEM Primary and MRCEM Intermediate examinations, including their mechanisms, doses, indications, contraindications, and clinical management steps. It is particularly useful for MRCEM toxicology questions.

Emergency Antidote Quick Reference – UK & Ireland ED

Antidote Quick Reference