Do Poison Centers Save Money…? What Are the Data?

Abstract

Objective: To define the pharmacokinetics of continuous infusion pralidoxime in organophosphate-poisoned children. Study Design: Open-label study in 11 children and adolescents poisoned with organophosphates or carbamates. Serial blood samples were obtained during continuous pralidoxime infusion and after the drug was stopped. Results: Patients were treated for 12-43 hours. Steady-state concentrations were (mean ± SD) 22.2 ± 12.3 mg/L. Volume of distribution ranged from 1.7 to 13.8 L/kg and was significantly higher in the more severely poisoned subjects. Elimination half-life was 3.6 ± 0.8 hours, and clearance was 0.88 ± 0.55 L/h/kg. After initiation of continuous infusion pralidoxime, only 1 patient required any additional atropine to control recurrent muscarinic symptoms. All patients exhibited complete clinical recovery. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetics of pralidoxime in poisoned children following continuous intravenous infusion are widely variable and differ from those previously reported in both healthy and poisoned adults. A loading dose of 25-50 mg/kg is recommended followed by a continuous infusion of 10-20 mg/kg/h. A loading dose of 50 mg/kg may be appropriate in more severely poisoned patients.