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Nerve agents are among the most potent and widely recognized chemical weapons. Recently, a new class of nerve agents, known as Novichok, has emerged as both a hazardous and frequently utilized tool in terrorist attacks. Medical professionals must gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental chemical and pharmacological properties of Novichok agents. This article provides a detailed review of the history, development, chemical structure, mechanism of action, toxicokinetics, and toxicology of these agents. Additionally, it discusses the latest diagnostic and treatment approaches for poisoning caused by Novichok agents. Contrary to earlier beliefs, Novichok poisoning shares similarities with other organophosphate toxins and can be effectively managed with timely and appropriate treatment. Given the global threat posed by terrorist incidents involving these agents, medical teams need to be well-versed in their characteristics to ensure optimal diagnosis and care for affected individuals.

By the mid-20th century, the growing ineffectiveness of sulfonamides and antibiotics in treating bacterial infections led to the emergence of numerous antibiotic-resistant strains. In response, efforts have focused on developing new chemotherapeutic agents, modifying existing antibiotics, and employing enzyme inhibitors to counteract resistance mechanisms. Neocytin is a multicomponent chemotherapeutic formulation composed of tetracycline, levomycetin, novocaine, and ascorbic acid. This study investigates the physico-chemical properties of Neocytin and assesses its toxicological profile, including acute and chronic toxicity, irritant effects, and impact on mucous membranes. Additionally, its influence on body weight in animal models was evaluated. The findings indicate that Neocytin is a low-toxicity agent for warm-blooded animals, exhibiting mild acute toxicity at a dose of 0.3 ml/kg, and is classified as a Class IV hazardous substance (minor hazard). Long-term administration at doses 3–5 times therapeutic levels did not adversely affect animal health, clinical status, metabolic function, or the integrity of vital organs and tissues.

Assessing erythrocyte acid resistance is a key part of understanding the effects of toxicants on the blood. The objective of this research is to examine both the isolated and combined effects of cadmium, lead, and zinc ions from contaminated drinking water on the acid resistance of erythrocytes in laboratory rats. This investigation was conducted in the Laboratory of Anatomy, Physiology, and Histology at Chechen State University in Grozny, Russia. The study used laboratory rats weighing 100-150 grams, bred in the university’s vivarium. Exposure to metals altered erythrograms, with a noticeable increase in the proportion of erythrocytes with lower resistance and a reduction in hemolysis time. The most considerable alterations were observed after prolonged exposure to Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and their mixture. After 30 days of exposure to these ions, the peak times for erythrograms were recorded as 0.5 minutes for Pb2+, 1.0 minutes for Zn2+, and 1.5 minutes for Cd2+. The percentage of erythrocytes undergoing hemolysis at these times was significantly higher, being three times more than the control for Pb2+ and Zn2+, and comparable to the control for Cd2+ (36%). Hemolysis times were notably shorter—2.5 minutes for Pb2+ and Zn2+, and 4.5 minutes for Cd2+. By the end of the 30 days, all rats in the heavy-metal exposure group had died. The findings indicate that prolonged exposure to heavy metals induces significant changes in the erythrocyte population and their acid resistance.