Abstract

Clark, D. G. (1970).Brit. J. industr. Med.,27, 186-188. Inhibition of the absorption of paraquat from the gastrointestinal tract by adsorbents. The efficacy of the oral administration of adsorbents Kaolin, Decalso, Amberlite, Bentonite and Fuller's Earth in preventing the toxic actions of ingested paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-dipyridylium) has been assessed using rats and cats. Only Bentonite and Fuller's Earth were found to have any effect, and they were both more effective than a simple stomach wash. It is suggested that these materials may be useful as immediate antidotes to paraquat poisoning in man. Fuller's Earth is preferable to Bentonite as it can be used as a more concentrated suspension, leading to a beneficial reduction in therapeutic volume.