Pralidoxime

Pralidoxime In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Reactivates the cholinesterase enzyme damaged by organophosphate (OP) and allows the destruction of accumulated acetylcholine at the synapse to be resumed.
• In addition, pralidoxime detoxifies certain OPs by direct chemical inactivation and retards the ‘ageing’ of phosphorylated cholinesterase to a non-reactive form.

Uses of Pralidoxime

• Management of OP toxicity.

Dose of Pralidoxime in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• Organophosphate toxicity: dilute to a 20 mg/ml solution and administer 20–50 mg/kg slowly i.v. (over 2 min at least – 500 mg/min max.) i.m., s.c. Repeat after 1 hour if still severe signs, then q8–12h.

Side Effects of Pralidoxime in Dogs and Cats

• Nausea, tachycardia, hyperventilation, and muscular weakness are reported in humans.

Contraindications of Pralidoxime in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use for poisoning due to carbamate or OP compounds without anticholinesterase activity.

Some Notes:

• Aminophylline, morphine, phenothiazines or theophylline should be avoided in these patients.