pralidoxime and Gas-Poisoning

Topics: Animals; Anticonvulsants; Antidotes; Atropine; Chemical Warfare Agents; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Gas Poisoning; Humans; Pralidoxime Compounds; Protective Clothing; Pyridostigmine Bromide; Respiratory Protective Devices

Visual acuity, phoria, stereopsis, and contrast sensitivity were assessed over 6 h of continued exposure to combinations of atropine (2 mg) and 2-PAM chloride (600 mg), severe heat/humidity (95 degrees F (35 degrees C); 60% RH), and wearing either the U.S. Army battle dress uniform (BDU) or the BDU and the impermeable chemical protective clothing (MOPP-IV). Subjects were able to complete all 6 h of testing under severe heat when wearing BDU's, but only lasted 2 h under the same severe heat when wearing MOPP-IV. Acuity and phoria were significantly impaired by the drug in the BDU conditions. Acuity, phoria and stereopsis were all significantly impaired by heat, drug and continued exposure under MOPP-IV. Acuity was significantly impaired by drug even during the first 2 h of heat exposure in MOPP-IV. Contrast sensitivity was impaired mainly by continued heat exposure in MOPP-IV.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antidotes; Atropine; Chemical Warfare; Contrast Sensitivity; Depth Perception; Gas Poisoning; Hot Temperature; Humans; Humidity; Male; Pralidoxime Compounds; Protective Clothing; Time Factors; Vision, Ocular; Visual Acuity

Topics: Blood Chemical Analysis; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Gas Poisoning; Injections, Intramuscular; Organophosphate Poisoning; Oximes; Phosphorus; Poisons; Pralidoxime Compounds; Pyridines; Toxicology

The first-aid treatment of mass casualties from nerve gas relies mainly upon the use of drugs, and provision for their self-injection is recommended. Means for giving artificial respiration must also be provided, even though its large-scale use is regarded as impracticable. Prophylactic oxime (2 g. PAM chloride orally) is recommended if the situation permits. Some nerve gases are extremely rapid in action, and following exposure (or suspicion of exposure) 4 mg. of atropine and 2 g. of PAM chloride should be injected intramuscularly without delay. Preferably, atropine should be given intravenously. At the same time any clothing contaminated with liquid nerve gas should be removed and the skin cleansed thoroughly with a suitable fluid. Following this, the casualty should be watched closely for one hour. If poisoning develops despite these measures, or is already established, injection of atropine should be continued at short intervals until improvement occurs.

Topics: Atropine; Chemical Warfare; Chemical Warfare Agents; Gas Poisoning; Mass Casualty Incidents; Oximes; Pralidoxime Compounds