Pralidoxime

Chemical

Organic compound belonging to methylpyridines

Use

  1. Tx poisoning due to organophosphates
  2. Control overdosage by anticholinesterase drugs used to Tx myasthenia gravis

Presentation

Vials 1000mg Pralidoxime chloride

Reconstitute w water

Dose

20-50mg/kg (max 2000mg) in 100ml over 30mins

Second dose 1000-2000mg over 60mins if muscle weakness has not been relieved

Additional doses q12hrly if muscle weakness persists

Route

Slow IV infusion

Onset

16mins (peaks 30mins)

DoA

Half life 3hrs

MoA

Cholinesterase reactivator;

– Organophosphates bind to the esteratic site of Acetylcholinesterase (which inactivates the enzyme)

– Pralidoxime cleaves the phosphate-ester bond formed between the organophosphate & Acetylcholinesterase

– Allows enzyme to recover function

PK

D

No PPB. 

Vd 0.6-2.7L/kg

M

Hepatic

E

Excreted in urine, partly unchanged

Adverse Effects

Rapid IV injection – tachycardia, laryngospasm, muscle rigidity, transient neuromuscular blockade