Which antidote is effective for anticholinergic drug toxicity?

The effective antidote for anticholinergic drug toxicity is physostigmine. This medication is a reversible inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In cases of anticholinergic toxicity, the levels of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction and in the central nervous system are decreased due to the action of anticholinergic agents. By inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, physostigmine increases the concentration of this neurotransmitter, which can help counteract the excess effects of anticholinergic drugs.

Anticholinergic effects can manifest as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and even agitation or confusion, depending on the severity of toxicity. The administration of physostigmine can lead to improvements in these symptoms and help stabilize the patient.

The other options are not effective in treating anticholinergic toxicity. For instance, glucagon is primarily used in cases of beta-blocker overdose and does not target the underlying mechanisms of anticholinergic toxicity. Sodium thiosulfate is an antidote for cyanide poisoning rather than anticholinergic effects. Oxygen is vital in various medical emergencies, particularly in cases of hypoxia