Inhibition of the absorption of paraquat from the gastrointestinal tract by adsorbents

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 Fuller9s Earth in preventing the toxic actions of ingested paraquat (1,19-dimethyl-4,49-dipyridylium) has been assessed using rats and cats. Only Bentonite and Fuller9s 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. Fuller9s Earth is preferable to Bentonite as it can be used as a more concentrated suspension, leading to a beneficial reduction in therapeutic volume.