Pralidoxime IM

Pralidoxime IM Uses

This medication is used with atropine to treat nerve agent poisoning by certain chemicals known as anticholinesterase agents (e.g., organophosphate insecticides such as parathion, "nerve gas" such as sarin, other nerve agents such as VX). Pralidoxime works by restoring the activity of a certain natural substance (cholinesterase) needed by nerves and muscles. Symptoms of nerve agent poisoning may include trouble breathing, headache, runny nose, drooling, vision changes, sweating, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching/jerking, drowsiness, confusion, and seizures.

Pralidoxime works mostly on the muscles (including breathing muscles) to decrease twitching, cramping, weakness, and paralysis. Another medication (atropine) is used to treat these and other symptoms of nerve agent poisoning such as slow/shallow breathing, wheezing, increased sweating/saliva, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How To Use Pralidoxime IM

Talk with your doctor about when you should use this product. Know the symptoms of nerve agent poisoning. (See also Uses section.)

Learn how to properly inject this medication in advance so you will be prepared when you actually need to use it. Also teach another person what to do in case you cannot inject the medication yourself.

This medication is given by injection into the muscle of the outer thigh, through clothing if necessary, as soon as possible after exposure. Another drug (atropine) is usually injected first. Inject this drug (pralidoxime) after the atropine. Hold the injector firmly in place for 10 seconds. Massage the area of injection.

To prevent further exposure to poison, the victim (and any others who treat or have contact with the victim) must immediately put on protective equipment (e.g., breathing mask, gloves) and perform rapid decontamination procedures (e.g., removing contaminated clothing, washing skin and hair with sodium bicarbonate or alcohol).

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Dosage and Storage