PRALIDOXIME

Antidote for organophosphate poisoning, a cholinesterase enzyme reactivator

Dosage Forms

▼

Powder for reconstitution for injection

1 g

Uses

▼
  • Adjunct to atropine in organophosphate poisoning
  • Adjunct to atropine in carbamate poisoning

Dose and Duration

▼
Adjunct to atropine in organophosphate and carbamate poisoning

Adult and child: by IV infusion, 30 mg/kg over 20 minutes followed by 8 mg/kg/hour (usual max 12 g in 24 hours)

By IV injection, loading dose 30 mg/kg over at least 5 minutes in pulmonary oedema or when IV infusion is not possible

Preparation

▼
  • Dilute to a concentration of 50 mg/ml with water for injection by dissolving the contents of the vial in 20 ml of water

Contraindications

▼
  • Poisoning with agents without anticholinesterase activity

Side Effects

▼
  • Drowsiness, dizziness, headache
  • Disturbances of vision
  • Nausea
  • Tachycardia
  • Hyperventilation
  • Muscular weakness

Pregnancy

▼
  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

▼
  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

▼
  • Continue pralidoxime until the patient has not required atropine for 12 hours
  • Use with caution in renal impairment and myasthenia gravis