Chemical warfare agents are substances used as weapons to kill or cause damage and thus delay or prevent opponents. Development, production, storage and use of chemical warfare agents is prohibited under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which is monitored by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Despite the CWC, recent events involving the use of chemical warfare agents have increased the interest for medical preparedness for such exposures. This report is a review of available drugs used for chemical warfare agent intoxications (nerve agents, opioids, sulfur mustard and irritating gases) and compiles current research and development in the field. The aim is to provide an up-to-date description of medical treatment for poisonings caused by chemical warfare agents and, furthermore, provide a scientific basis for improved medical care. The literature review resulted in the following conclusions: ? Research on nerve agent antidotes remains a high priority at defence research institutes. The standard treatment with atropine, an oxime and diazepam is under consideration and can be supplemented with more efficient and fastacting drug alternatives. In addition, other drug delivery systems and additional drug combinations are being investigated to improve the standard treatment. ? Medical countermeasures against opioids have been in focus during the recent years due to poisonings caused by highly potent drug abuse substances and greater interest from defence research institutes. Treatment alternatives with higher naloxone doses and the long-acting opioid antagonist nalmefene have therefore been implemented in the USA. ? Specific antidotes against sulfur/nitrogen mustards and respiratory irritants are lacking and current treatment regimen is therefore based on management of the acute lung injury. The clinical evidence for optimal treatment needs to be strengthened by performing controlled studies in experimental animals with respiratory systems similar to humans and the clinical studies carried out for acute lung injuries of other etiologies should be carefully followed. The report also discusses prophylactic treatment against opioids and organophosphorus compounds (nerve agents), as well as, skin barrier creams to avoid skin exposures and treatment of serious skin damage following sulfur mustard exposure.