Category

• Antidote, to cholinesterase inhibitors
• Antidote, to organophosphate chemicals
• Antidote, to organophosphate pesticides

Description

Pralidoxime (pra-li-DOX-eem) is used together with another medicine called atropine to treat poisoning caused by organic phosphorus pesticides (e.g., diazinon, malathion, mevinphos, parathion, and sarin) and by organophosphate chemicals (“nerve gases”) used in chemical warfare. Pralidoxime is also used to treat overdose of medicines, such as ambenonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, that are used to treat myasthenia gravis. Poisoning with these chemicals or medicines causes your muscles, including the muscles that help you breathe, to become weak. Pralidoxime is used to help you get back strength in your muscles.

Pralidoxime is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor or trained military personnel. It is available in the following dosage form:

Parenteral
• Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Protopam Chloride

In Canada—

• Protopam Chloride

Generic name product may be available in the U.S.

Other commonly used names are 2-PAM and 2-PAM chloride .