Economic Viability and Cost-Effectiveness in Clinical Toxicology: An Examination of Poison Control Centres and Targeted Antidotal Treatments.

Abstract Introduction Poisoning is a major global health issue. It leads to serious illness, death, and financial strain. Poison Control Centers (PCCs) help reduce healthcare costs by offering expert advice that can prevent unnecessary hospital visits. Economic evaluations, especially Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA), assess the financial value of PCC services and the use of antidotes. Materials and Methodology This review examined studies from the perspectives of society, payers, and healthcare systems. Eight studies used cost-effectiveness analysis. Evaluations of primary care clinics estimated savings from avoided emergency visits. The cost-effectiveness analysis focused on comparing antidotes for paracetamol poisoning in Sri Lanka. It looked at methionine and N-acetylcystine (NAC) based on when treatment was given. Additional analyses explored the costs of deliberate self-harm cases in India and the cost-effectiveness of antivenom for snakebites. Results and Discussion PCCs showed important cost savings. For every dollar spent, savings ranged from $2.03 to $7.67. The Banner PCC alone saved $33 million in 2007. PCCs reduced non-hospitalized poison cases by 24% and hospitalizations by 12%. CEA indicated that PCC operations were effective strategies with considerable cost-effectiveness. For paracetamol poisoning, methionine was the most economical option within 10 hours of ingestion, while NAC became cost-effective later. The median cost for DSH hospitalization was 13,690 rupees, which increased for pesticides cases and ICU needs. AV for snakebites was very cost-effective, costing only $1,253 per death avoided. Conclusion PCCs provide valuable economic benefits by preventing unnecessary healthcare use. Using economic models in clinical policy helps ensure efficient use of antidotes and supports public funding, pesticide regulation, and effective poison management. Keywords: Poison control centers; Cost-benefit analysis; Cost-effectiveness; Antidotes; N-acetylcysteine; Methionine; Deliberate self-harm; Antivenom; DALYs