An antidote is a medication or treatment that acts against a poison or its effects. An antidote may work by reducing the amount of poison that is absorbed from the stomach, or by blocking the absorption entirely. Some antidotes counteract a poison's effects directly. For example, an antidote can work by neutralizing an acid. Some antidotes work by blocking a poison at its receptor site in the brain. For example, a medication called naloxone blocks opiates such as heroin at its receptors, preventing death from heroin overdose. Many cities have a telephone poison hotline, where information on antidotes is given. In case of drug overdose or poisoning, call for expert medical help immediately by dialing 911.

See Also

Heroin; Heroin Treatment: Medications.