What is the primary function of antidotes?

The primary function of antidotes is to prevent or counteract the effects of poison. Antidotes work by neutralizing the toxic effects of a substance, either by directly binding to the poison, inhibiting its action, or promoting its elimination from the body. This ability to intervene in the toxic process is crucial in emergency medicine and toxicology, where quick action is necessary to mitigate harm to an individual who has been exposed to toxic agents.

In contrast, options such as enhancing drug effectiveness, accelerating drug metabolism, or curing diseases do not align with the specific role of antidotes. Antidotes do not modify how drugs work or treat diseases directly; instead, they focus solely on alleviating the effects of poisons and toxins.