Abstract
Solheim L, Andrew E, Jacobsen D.
Antidote availability in Norway.
Tidsskr Nor Lægeforen 2002; 122: 0000-00.
Background. Antidotes are therapeutic substances which are used primarily to counteract the toxic actions of poisonous agents. Antidotes therefore play an important role in the treatment of poisonings. Antidote availability is crucial for the poisoned patient, and it is important that hospitals keep antidotes in stock to treat these patients. Most antidotes are expensive, infrequently used and have short shelf-lives. This makes hospital stocking economically difficult. In Norway, there is no national antidote programme.
Material and methods. The National Poisons Information Centre recently made an inquiry about antidote stocking in Norwegian hospitals.
Results. This survey showed that the antidote availability is not satisfactory. Interpretation. The need and availability of antidotes in Norwegian hospitals is discussed and recommendations are given.