Feasibility of prophylaxis by oral pralidoxime. Cholinesterase inactivation by organophosphorus pesticides.

Abstract

One gram of pralidoxime chloride, given three to four times a week for up to 22 weeks to 13 men, was tolerated without signs. Red blood cell cholinesterase level in these men remained consistently above the level in a placebo group with equal exposures to organic phosphorus insecticides. More than half of the men given the placebo had a reduction of red blood cell cholinesterase level below 70%, but only one of the prophylactically-treated men fell this low. Although further observations on the feasibility of prophylaxis are desirable, it appears that oral pralidoxime chloride offers promise in preventing clinical poisoning from organic phosphorus pesticides.