What is the best description of an antidote?

An antidote is best described as a substance that will neutralize the effects of a poison or toxic substance. This means that when administered, an antidote can counteract the biochemical effects of the poison, effectively mitigating or reversing the toxic effects on the body. The role of an antidote is to facilitate recovery by preventing the poison from causing further harm and assisting in the healing process.

While other options suggest various functions related to dealing with poisons, they do not specifically capture the primary purpose of an antidote. For instance, the idea of protecting a patient from the effects of poison or acting as a binding agent does not accurately encompass the direct action that an antidote has on neutralizing toxicity. Similarly, the notion that an agent causes the body to break down poison implies a metabolic process that does not specifically reflect the immediate and direct neutrality achieved by an antidote.