Presentation
500mg/20 mL vials
Role
To treat poisoning of organophosphates or chemical nerve agents.
Consultation with a clinical toxicologist is recommended through local toxicology service or Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26.
Dose
1g – 2g (child 15mg/kg) in 100 mL sodium chloride 0.9% over 15 mins, then 250-500mg/hour (child 10mg/kg/hour).
Stocking recommendations
| Tertiary centre | Regional centre | Rural centre | Remote centre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 10 vials | 0 vials | 0 vials | 0 vials |
Rationale
Organophosphate poisoning within Australia is uncommon. Life-saving treatment involves atropinisation and ventilation. A Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to support the routine use of pralidoxime. It may be associated with increased harm. Pralidoxime is rarely recommended by clinical toxicologists.
Disclaimer
Fact sheet developed by Queensland Poisons Information Centre.
This fact sheet is about the use of these antidotes in Australia, and may not apply to other countries. Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading this fact sheet.
Last updated: July 2023