EVALUATION OF ANTIDOTES - ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM ON CHEMICAL SAFETY

Important developments concerning the role of antidotes in managing po isoning cases have taken place in recent decades due to new toxicodyna mic and toxicokinetic studies and to growing international concern reg arding the effectiveness of antidotes. A number of activities are carr ied out by the International Programme on Chemical Safety which aim to : (1) evaluate their effectiveness in clinical practice, (2) dissemina te evaluated information, and (3) promote the availability of useful a ntidotes. The International Programme on Chemical Safety has undertake n the preparation of Antidote Monographs that summarize and assess the clinical use, mode of action, effectiveness, and other evaluated info rmation, and a consolidated International Programme on Chemical Safety List of Antidotes that classifies antidotes and related drugs by thei r clinical effectiveness and urgency of need. A chart of Antidote Dosa ges, with information concerning the recommended antidotes and their i ndications, is being prepared, and the Availability of Antidotes in di fferent countries is being surveyed. Further International Programme o n Chemical Safety initiatives are also being undertaken in the area of antidotes and clinical toxicology in order to examine particular issu es. The International Programme on Chemical Safety INTOX Project and r elated activities provide powerful tools for multicenter studies, but such research faces continuing financial and regulatory difficulties. Twinning arrangements between scientists from different parts of the w orld are being promoted to enhance the capabilities of evaluating trea tment procedures and to compare clinical data. International organizat ions have important aims: to promote adequate and appropriate regulati ons and increase antidote availability, to establish international con sensus and to increase interest in co-operative research. Cooperation with scientific bodies is essential in supporting these aims.