Pralidoxime
Pralidoxime
Pralidoxime (pronounced prah-li-DOX-eem), also known as 2-PAM chloride, is a medication primarily used to treat organophosphate poisoning. It is often used together with atropine and diazepam. It is given by injection into a vein or muscle.
Etymology
The term "Pralidoxime" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, which includes a pyridinium ring and an oxime functional group. The "Pra" comes from "pyridinium", "li" from "aliphatic", "dox" from "doxime", and "ime" from "imine".
Usage
Pralidoxime is used in the treatment of poisoning by organophosphates, which are often found in pesticides and nerve gases. It works by reactivating acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that is essential for normal nerve function but is inhibited by organophosphates.
Related Terms
- Organophosphate: A type of compound that is often used in pesticides and nerve gases. Organophosphates inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine and causing overstimulation of the nerves.
- Atropine: A medication that is often used together with pralidoxime in the treatment of organophosphate poisoning. Atropine works by blocking the action of acetylcholine, thereby counteracting the effects of the organophosphate.
- Diazepam: A medication that is often used together with pralidoxime and atropine in the treatment of organophosphate poisoning. Diazepam helps to control seizures and anxiety that can result from organophosphate poisoning.
- Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for normal nerve function. Acetylcholinesterase is inhibited by organophosphates, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine and causing overstimulation of the nerves.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pralidoxime
- Wikipedia's article - Pralidoxime
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