Pralidoxime (Systemic)

Brand Names : Protopam Chloride, 2-PAM, 2-PAM chloride

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients using the pralidoxime auto-injector (automatic injection device):

• You will be trained to use the pralidoxime auto-injector by a medic or other trained military personnel. You will also be told the conditions under which it should be used. The auto-injector also comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before you actually need to use this medicine. Then, when an emergency arises, you will know how to inject the pralidoxime.
• It is important that you do not remove the safety cap on the auto-injector until you are ready to use it. This prevents spillage of the medicine from the device during storage and handling.
• To use the pralidoxime auto-injector:
  • Remove the gray safety cap.
  • Place the black tip of the device on the thigh, with the injector pointed straight at the thigh.
  • Press hard into the thigh until the auto-injector functions. Hold in place for several seconds. Remove the auto-injector and dispose of it as directed.
  • Massage the injected area for 10 seconds.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor or medic ordered . Do not use more than recommended on the label unless otherwise directed by your doctor or medic.

Dosing - The dose of pralidoxime will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's or medic's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of pralidoxime.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For treatment of organic phosphorus pesticide poisoning:
    • Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 1 to 2 grams injected into a vein. The dose may be repeated after one hour, and then every eight to twelve hours if muscle weakness continues.
    • Children - The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually 25 to 50 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (11.35 to 22.7 mg per pound) of body weight injected into a vein. The dose may be repeated after one hour, and then every eight to twelve hours if muscle weakness continues.
  • For treatment of organic phosphorus chemical (�nerve gas�) poisoning:
    • Adults - The usual dose is 600 mg injected into a muscle. The dose may be repeated fifteen minutes after the first dose and again fifteen minutes after the second dose, if needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For treatment of overdose of medicines used to treat myasthenia gravis:
    • Adults and teenagers - At first, the dose is 1 to 2 grams injected into a vein. Then, the dose is 250 mg injected into a vein every five minutes.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.