Common Antidotes in Nursing

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah from RegisteredNurseRN.com
• Part of the NCLEX review series on Pharmacology
• Antidotes: substances given to counteract toxicities, overdoses, or poisonings.
• Importance: Nurses should know antidotes for medications like heparin, warfarin, or digoxin for quick response to toxicities.

Key Antidotes

1. Digoxin

• Condition: Digoxin toxicity (Dig toxicity)
• Antidote: Digibind

2. Heparin

• Type: Anticoagulant (blood thinner)
• Antidote: Protamine sulfate

3. Warfarin (Coumadin)

• Type: Anticoagulant
• Antidote: Vitamin K

4. Benzodiazepines

• Characteristics: Strong sedative, highly addictive
• Common Names: End in -pam or -lam (e.g., diazepam/Valium)
• Antidote: Flumazenil

5. Opioids

• Characteristics: Highly addictive painkillers (e.g., morphine, fentanyl)
• Antidote: Naloxone (Narcan)

6. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Type: Over-the-counter painkiller
• Antidote: Acetylcysteine

7. Beta Blockers

• Characteristics: Cardiac medications (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol)
• Antidote: Glucagon

8. Anticholinergic Toxicity

• Causes: Medications affecting receptor sites (e.g., antihistamines, atropine)
• Antidote: Physostigmine

9. Cholinergic Toxicity

• Causes: Organophosphates, carbamates (insecticides, pesticides)
• Antidote: Atropine

10. Magnesium Sulfate

• Context: Used in OB for pre-eclampsia
• Antidote: Calcium gluconate

11. Cyanide Poisoning

• Antidote: Hydroxocobalamin

12. Ethylene Glycol or Methanol

• Sources: Antifreeze, windshield wiper fluids
• Antidote: Fomepizole

13. Lead Toxicity

• Treatment: Chelation therapy
• Medications: Succimer (oral), Calcium disodium EDTA (injection)

14. Iron Toxicity

• Antidote: Deferoxamine

Conclusion

• Importance of memorizing these antidotes for nursing practice and exams.
• Suggested action: Take the free quiz available for testing knowledge on these antidotes.