Prophylaxis and Post-exposure Treatment of Intoxications Caused by Nerve Agents and Organophosphorus Pesticides

Kamil      Kuca; Daniel      Jun; Kamil      Musilek; Miroslav      Pohanka; Jana   Zdarova   Karasova; Ondrej      Soukup

Abstract

Treatment of intoxications caused by nerve agents and organophosphorus pesticides consists of different approaches. The first approach is called prophylaxis or pre-exposure administration of antidotes such as cholinesterase reactivators or bioscavengers. The second, post-exposure treatment consists of anticholinergic drugs, acetylcholinesterase reactivators and anticonvulsants. This article is aimed at both mentioned approaches, especially focused on cholinesterase reactivators, which are a broad group of structurally different compounds that can be used in prophylaxis (separately or in combination with butyrylcholinesterase) and also as post-exposure treatment.

Keywords: Acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, nerve agents, pesticides, poisoning, prophylaxis, treatment, antidote, organophosphate, reactivator, protection, oxime, toxicity.