Pralidoxime Chloride, Injection pra-lih-DOKS-eem KLOH-ride

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antidote for organophosphate poisoning

Generic and brand names: pralidoxime, injection; Protopam

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat poisoning caused by organophosphate chemicals. It is also used to treat an overdose of some medicines used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. It may also be used for other conditions as specified by your health care provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• kidney disease
• myasthenia gravis

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider. Tell the provider if you notice pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site while you are receiving the medicine.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast heartbeat; blurred or double vision; coughing up blood; shortness of breath or fast breathing; severe muscle stiffness or weakness.

Other: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, pain at the injection site.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• aminophylline and theophylline
• barbiturates such as butabarbital (Butisol), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and phenobarbital
• narcotic analgesics (painkillers) such as codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab), meperidine (Demerol), morphine (MS Contin, Kadian), oxycodone (OxyContin), oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet, Tylox), and pentazocine (Talwin)
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine (Compro), perphenazine, thioridazine, and trifluoperazine
• reserpine

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.