Antidote List
Please note that the Antidote List previously produced by the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) is no longer in use. The NPIC currently recommends the use of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and National Poisons Information Service Guideline on Antidote Availability for Emergency Departments (December 2022).
A link to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and National Poisons Information Service Guideline on Antidote Availability for Emergency Departments (December 2022) can be found here.
Stock levels and storage recommendations from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and National Poisons Information Service Guideline on Antidote Availability for Emergency Departments (December 2022) can be found here.
These documents are intended to aid in decisions regarding antidote holding and not to provide information on the treatment of specific patients. Information on the management of specific patients can be found on TOXBASE or by calling the NPIC on 01-809 2566.
When using these guidelines Irish hospital pharmacies should note:
- These guidelines make reference to formal arrangements in the UK for the supply of Category C Antidotes. This does not apply to hospital pharmacies in Ireland. At present, there are no formal arrangements in place for antidote stocking in Ireland and no National Antidote Holding Centre. If you are looking to source an antidote, we recommend contacting other pharmacies within your Hospital Group in the first instance. Should you require further assistance please contact the NPIC on 01 809 2566.
- Andexanet Alpha is included on the antidote list. We understand there is uncertainty regarding availability of this agent in Ireland. We recommend contacting the manufacturer or licence holder for further information on this product.
- ViperaTAb/Viperfav do not need to be held in hospitals in Ireland. Should you require urgent access to anti-venom please contact the NPIC directly on 01 809 2566.
- These documents are guidelines. Higher stock levels may be required and individual pharmacies should determine the amount of each antidote stocked based on the epidemiology of poisoning presentations in their hospital.
NPIC Antidote Availability Survey
The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) conducted a survey of antidote availability in Irish hospitals with emergency departments in early 2022. A large number of hospital pharmacies have responded to this survey and we would like to thank respondents for their participation.