Nov 23, 2021
Educational Pearls:
- Organophosphates affect the cholinergic system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase affecting muscarinic and nicotinic receptors
- Symptoms include lacrimation, salivation, bronchoconstriction, blurred vision, bradycardia, bronchorrhea, emesis, and diarrhea
- Initially, the patient should be decontaminated to prevent further organophosphate exposure
- Treatment consists of atropine every 5 minutes, 1-3 mg to start and doubling the dose each time it is given until reversal of symptoms is seen
- Atropine only works on muscarinic receptors, so nicotinic receptor activation continues despite atropine administration resulting in muscle contractions and eventually respiratory arrest
- Pralidoxime (2-PAM) should also be given to prevent the nicotinic effects and maturation of the organophosphate-acetylcholinesterase complex
References
Robb EL, Baker MB. Organophosphate Toxicity. [Updated 2021 Jul 26]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470430/
Summarized by John Spartz, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD
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