Further research, however, is needed to find an optimal antidote for thallium. Potassium therapy is probably the single most effective agent in the treatment of thallium poisoning. The current therapy for thallium poisoning is the use of prussian blue and potassium chloride. Black Widow Spider Antivenin (Lactrodectus mactans) (equine), 1 vial in 10-50 mL 0.9 sodium chloride IV over 15 minutes. Other signs and symptoms may develop at any stage of toxicity.

In humans the most characteristic sign of thallium toxicity is alopecia which usually appears in cases when death is delayed for 15-20 days. Development of psychotic behavior with hallucinations and dementia has also been reported.

Degenerative changes of the heart, liver and kidney, subarchanoid hemorrhage, bone marrow depression, and increased radiopacity of the liver may also occur. Symptoms may appear rapidly, but more commonly the acute toxicity subsides to be replaced by a gradual development of mild gastrointestinal disturbances, polyneuritis, encephalopathy, tachycardia, skin eruptions, stomatitis, atrophic changes of the skin, nail changes (Mee's lines), and skin hyperesthesia (mainly in the soles of the feet and the tibia). The initial symptoms of thallium poisoning may include fever, gastrointestinal problems, delirium, convulsions and coma.

The symptomatology of its toxicity is usually nonspecific due to the multi-organ involvement. Thallium poisoning is one of the most complex and serious toxicities known to man.

Thallium poisoning antidote