Overuse of non-prescription analgesics by dental clinic patients.

Background: Many patients present to dental clinics for treatment of painful conditions. Prior to seeking treatment, many of these patients will self-medicate with non-prescription analgesics (NPA), and some will unintentionally overdose on these products. The objective of this study is to describe the use of NPA among dental patients.

New developments in antidotes.

Although some antidotes are rarely used, they have an important, potentially life-saving role in the treatment of toxic exposures. The timely and judicious use of an antidote can prevent death and shorten hospitalization as well as reduce the patient's pain and suffering. Although their importance is recognized, sufficient stocking of antidotes remains a problem.