An antitoxin is a type of MEDICINE that is used to counteract the effects of a toxin. It is a type of PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, as it is used to prevent the effects of a toxin from occurring. An antitoxin is similar to an ANTIBIOTIC, as both are used to fight off infections, but an antitoxin specifically targets toxins. An antitoxin is also similar to an ANTIDOTE, which is used to counteract the effects of a poison, and an antiserum, which is used to treat certain types of infections. A VACCINE is another type of PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, as it is used to prevent the spread of a disease, while a SERUM and sera are both fluids that contain antibodies and other substances that can be used to treat certain conditions.