Pralidoxime
About
Pralidoxime belongs to the oxime class of drugs. Pralidoxime is used alone or together with atropine to treat poisoning caused by organic phosphorus pesticides or chemicals. It is also used to treat an overdose of drugs that treat myasthenia gravis.
Pralidoxime contains Pralidoxime, a cholinesterase reactivator. It works by reactivating the enzyme cholinesterase (mainly outside the central nervous system), which has been inactivated by phosphorylation due to an organophosphate pesticide or related compound.
A qualified healthcare professional will administer Pralidoxime. You may experience mild to moderate pain at the site of injection, blurred vision, diplopia (double vision), impaired accommodation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing), and muscular weakness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, inform your doctor.
Before taking Pralidoxime, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and ongoing medications. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Pralidoxime may cause blurred vision and diplopia (double vision); it impacts your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Uses of Pralidoxime
Medicinal Benefits
Pralidoxime contains Pralidoxime, a cholinesterase reactivator that belongs to the oxime class of drugs. Pralidoxime is together with another medicine called atropine to treat poisoning caused by organic phosphorus pesticides (such as diazinon, malathion, sarin and parathion). Pralidoxime injection is also used to treat an overdose of medicines (such as neostigmine, ambenonium, and pyridostigmine) that treat myasthenia gravis. It works by reactivating the enzymes (cholinesterase) blocked by many pesticides or medicines. Poisoning with these substances or drugs weakens your muscles, including those that let you breathe. Pralidoxime is used to help you regain muscle strength.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pralidoxime
- Mild to moderate pain at the site of injection
- Blurred vision
- Diplopia (double vision)
- Impaired accommodation
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Tachycardia
- Increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Rapid or deep breathing
- Muscular weakness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Pralidoxime is not recommended as an antidote for carbamate pesticide overdose since it may enhance carbaryl toxicity or known hypersensitivity to the drug. Before taking Pralidoxime, inform your doctor of all your medical problems, sensitivities, and medicines. Also, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, want to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not drive or operate machinery because Pralidoxime may cause diplopia (double vision), decreased accommodation, and dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Pralidoxime may interact with neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g. mivacurium) and skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. succinylcholine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Pralidoxime may interact with disease conditions, including Myasthenia Gravis (muscle weakness) and renal impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionInform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Pralidoxime.
Breast Feeding
cautionCaution is advised. Let your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking Pralidoxime; your doctor may suggest stopping breastfeeding for a certain period.
Driving
unsafePralidoxime may cause blurred vision and diplopia (double vision). It impacts your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving Pralidoxime if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Pralidoxime.
Kidney
cautionCaution should be exercised. Inform your doctor before receiving Pralidoxime if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Pralidoxime.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor. The doctor will decide the dose based on your child's age and condition.
Habit Forming
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Organophosphorus poisoning occurs after dermal, respiratory, or oral exposure to pesticides or nerve agents. Poisoning can occur after short or long-term exposure. It can cause nerve damage and disrupt hormone production in humans and animals. Organophosphates are also toxic to plants and insects. Agricultural workers and others who handle agricultural chemicals may be at risk, with most exposure occurring in rural areas.
FAQs
Pralidoxime contains Pralidoxime, a cholinesterase reactivator. It works by reactivating the enzyme cholinesterase (mainly outside the central nervous system), which has been inactivated by phosphorylation due to an organophosphate pesticide or related compounds and medicines.
Pralidoxime is an antidote Antidote for organophosphorus nerve agent poisoning, including chlorosarin, cyclosarin (GF), R-VX, tabun (GA), sarin (GB), VX, soman (GD), chlorosoman and organophosphorus pesticides.
Pralidoxime injection is also used to treat an overdose of medicines (such as neostigmine, ambenonium, and pyridostigmine) that treat myasthenia gravis.
