Several types of pharmacological inhibitors are used in toxicology, including:
Enzyme Inhibitors: These block the activity of specific enzymes. For instance, CYP450 inhibitors can prevent the bioactivation of certain chemicals, reducing their toxicity. Receptor Antagonists: These bind to receptors, preventing the binding of toxic ligands. An example is naloxone, which is used to counteract opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors. Ion Channel Blockers: These inhibit the flow of ions through channels, which can be critical in preventing toxic effects associated with ion imbalance.