While antidotes are life-saving, they can also have side effects. For example:
- N-acetylcysteine: Can cause nausea, vomiting, and anaphylactoid reactions. - Deferoxamine: Can cause hypotension, tachycardia, and allergic reactions. - Naloxone: Can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals.
Doctors must weigh the benefits of administering an antidote against the risk of side effects.
