Methods and kits for treating or reducing the likelihood of neurotoxin-induced respiratory failure in a subject, such as a victim of neurotoxic envenomation are provided. Also provided are methods for treating or reducing the likelihood of residual neuromuscular blockade in a subject to whom a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent has been administered. The methods involve administering a pharmaceutically effective dose of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to the subject, where the administration is not via injection. In some embodiments intra-nasal or ocular administration is used.
