Substances which form a complex or insoluble precipitate with poisons and neutralize them in the gastrointestinal tract. The effects are often limited and debatable. This category includes:

• Water-containing albumens ~roteins which are capable of forming insoluble complexes with heavy metals and which neutralize acids and bases).
• Tannins (these precipitate heavy metals, alkaloids, etc.).
• Ferric hydrate (action as above).

Milk is commonly believed to act as the best general antidote; in fact, milk promotes absorption of liposoluble poisons. A cardinal rule, therefore, is never administer milk.

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