Pralidoxime-Atropine IM
Generic Name: ATROPINE/PRALIDOXIME AUTO-INJECTOR - INJECTIONPronounced: (AT-trow-peen/PRAL-i-DOX-eem-KLOR-ide)
Pralidoxime-Atropine IM Uses
This combination of medications is used 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). Atropine works by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) that is increased by certain insecticides/nerve agents. Pralidoxime works by restoring the activity of a certain natural substance (cholinesterase) needed by nerves and muscles. Symptoms of insecticide/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. Atropine is used to treat these and other symptoms of poisoning such as slow/shallow breathing, wheezing, increased sweating/saliva, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How To Use Pralidoxime-Atropine IM
Talk with your doctor about when you should use this product. Know the symptoms of insecticide/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. When treating another person, use their auto-injector if possible. Try to avoid using your own injectors on someone else so that you have an antidote available if needed for self-aid.
This medication is given by injection into the muscle of the outer thigh or buttock, through clothing if necessary, as soon as possible after exposure. Hold the injector firmly in place for 10 seconds. Massage the area of injection.
To prevent further exposure to poison, leave the contaminated area. The victim (and any others who treat or have contact with the victim) must immediately put on protective equipment (e.g., breathing mask, protective clothing) and perform rapid decontamination procedures (e.g., removing contaminated clothing, washing skin and hair with sodium bicarbonate or alcohol).
