pralidoxime

What is the most important information I should know about pralidoxime?

If you receive pralidoxime during an emergency, make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received this medicine.

What is pralidoxime?

Pralidoxime is used as an antidote to treat poisoning caused by chemicals, pesticides (insect sprays), or drugs used to treat a muscle disorder.

This medication is not effective as an antidote for all types of pesticide poisonings.

Pralidoxime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving pralidoxime?

If possible during an emergency, tell your caregivers if you've ever had:

• an allergy to any medication;
• liver or kidney disease;
• heart problems; or
• high blood pressure.

If possible during an emergency, tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is pralidoxime given?

Pralidoxime is injected into a muscle, under the skin, or into a vein.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

You may be watched for up to 72 hours to make sure the medicine has been effective and you no longer have any effects of the poison.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid after receiving pralidoxime?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of pralidoxime?

Some of the side effects of pralidoxime may be similar to the symptoms of poisoning. Your caregivers will watch you closely to determine whether your body is responding well to the medication, or if you are having any serious side effects.

• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• chest tightness, shortness of breath;
• anxiety, dizziness, or nervousness;
• numbness or tingling;
• painful or difficult urination;
• little or no urination;
• vision problems; or
• muscular weakness.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• pain for up to an hour after injection into a muscle;
• trouble breathing;
• vision changes;
• nausea;
• fast heartbeats, increased blood pressure;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness; or
• muscle weakness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect pralidoxime?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• atropine;
• morphine;
• a barbiturate such as phenobarbital;
• medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness such as schizophrenia; or
• a bronchodilator --aminophylline, theophylline.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect pralidoxime, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about pralidoxime.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision date: 6/28/2021.