Question:
Which of the following substances acts as both a poison and an antidote?
Which of the following substances acts as both a poison and an antidote?
Show Hint
Used in gastric lavage for phosphorus poisoning yet toxic itself.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Copper sulphate (CuSO4)
- Mercuric chloride (HgCl2)
- Arsenic trioxide (As2O3)
- Thallium arsenate
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The agent that is itself toxic yet is also used to treat another poisoning is copper sulphate (CuSO4).
Step 2: As a poison, ingested copper sulphate causes burning epigastric and colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and in severe cases hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, methemoglobinemia, jaundice, pancreatitis, cramps and convulsions. Death may follow from hepatic and renal failure.
Step 3: As an antidote, copper sulphate is used in gastric lavage for phosphorus poisoning. It converts elemental phosphorus into harmless, insoluble copper phosphide and coats the particles with a film of copper, preventing further absorption.
Step 4: Mercuric chloride, arsenic trioxide and thallium arsenate are pure poisons with no antidotal role, so they are incorrect.
Step 2: As a poison, ingested copper sulphate causes burning epigastric and colicky abdominal pain, vomiting, and in severe cases hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, methemoglobinemia, jaundice, pancreatitis, cramps and convulsions. Death may follow from hepatic and renal failure.
Step 3: As an antidote, copper sulphate is used in gastric lavage for phosphorus poisoning. It converts elemental phosphorus into harmless, insoluble copper phosphide and coats the particles with a film of copper, preventing further absorption.
Step 4: Mercuric chloride, arsenic trioxide and thallium arsenate are pure poisons with no antidotal role, so they are incorrect.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top NEET PG Forensic Medicine Questions
- A child before playing consumed fruit from the garden. After some time he developed a high fever, confusion, photophobia, and unable to urinate. What are the likely causative agent and the appropriate antidote used in this case?
- The method of autopsy carried out en masse to remove from tongue to prostate is.
- A 42-year-old HIV-positive patient died, and his body was brought for post-mortem. The method of autopsy to be done is___
- A 10-year-old male child came to the casualty with difficulty in walking and pain in the perianal region. On subjecting the specimen from the perianal region to a test, it produces yellow needle-shaped rhombic crystals with picric acid. What is the test done?
- A patient was brought to casualty with seizures. He had multiple episodes and was taking herbal medicines for the same. He was conscious in between the episodes. During the episodes, he had arching of his back. What is the likely cause?
View More Questions
Top NEET PG Questions
- A patient hailing from Delhi presents with fever, arthralgia, and extensive petechial rash for 3 days. Lab investigations revealed a hemoglobin of 9 g/ dL, a white blood cell count of 9000 cells/mm3, a platelet count of 20000 cells/mm3, and a prolonged bleeding time. The clotting time was normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Which of the following statements is true about Trichomonas vaginalis?
- A lady from West Rajasthan presented with an ulcer surrounded by erythema on the right leg. Microscopy of the biopsy from the edge of the ulcer showed organisms with dark staining nuclei and kinetoplast. What is the most likely causative agent?
- A child presents with a fever and a rash. Urine examination showed cells with owl's eye appearance. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- Infection with Clonorchis sinensis is associated with an increased risk of__?
View More Questions