Antidotes are substances that counteract the effects of a toxin. The development of antidotes is a critical therapeutic application in toxicology. The process begins with identifying the mechanism of action of the toxin. For instance, chelating agents are used as antidotes for heavy metal poisoning because they bind to the metals, preventing them from causing further harm. Understanding the biochemical pathways involved allows toxicologists to design specific antidotes that can neutralize or inhibit the toxin's effects. Some antidotes, like naloxone for opioid overdose, have become essential in emergency medicine.
