TIME TO DISCONTINUE THE USE OF SOLUTION-A AND SOLUTION-B AS A CYANIDEANTIDOTE

Solutions A and B (15.8% ferrous sulfate in 0.3% citric acid and 6% so dium carbonate, respectively) have been available as a first-aid treat ment for cyanide ingestion for many decades. Controversy surrounding t he efficacy oi solutions A and B has existed for much of that time, th e main protagonists being in the UK. The current opinion in the UK is that solutions A and B should no longer be used as a first-aid measure in the management oi cyanide poisoning. Similarly, oral sodium thiosu lfate or activated charcoal should not be used. The recommended first- aid treatment oi symptomatic cyanide poisoning is 100% oxygen and amyl nitrite, irrespective of the route of exposure.