Prevention and treatment of nerve gas poisoning
Article Abstract:
Because chemical weapons may be used against United States armed forces in the Persian Gulf, the military has taken precautions to protect the troops against poison gas, specifically ''nerve agents.'' Some examples of nerve agents include the organophosphate compounds GA (tabun), GB (sarin), GD (soman) and VX, which are liquid under normal temperatures and become volatile or vaporized at high temperatures or by explosion. These toxic agents can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin in the vaporized form, and are structurally similar but more potent than certain insecticides. They act by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the substance that transmits nerve impulses called acetylcholine. The subsequent accumulation of acetylcholine at nerves results in hyperactivity of the nerves, and persistent stimulation of glands, involuntary smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, and other nerve fibers. Some symptoms of exposure to the vapor or liquid form of nerve agents include excessive secretions from the nose, eyes, mouth, lungs, and intestines, muscle jerks and twitches, and constriction of the pupil of the eye. Contact between the skin and a droplet of the liquid form of nerve agent initially causes sweating and muscle twitches, followed by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Exposure to a small quantity of vapor causes pupil constriction, nasal secretions, eye pain, inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids, constriction of the airways, secretions from the bronchi, mild discomfort and difficulty breathing. Large quantities of the liquid of vapor forms may cause sudden unconsciousness, convulsions, flaccid paralysis, and absence of breathing. Pretreatment with the drugs pyridostigmine and agents that prevent convulsions, gas masks, and protective clothing may prevent or reduce the toxic effects of nerve gases. The drugs atropine and pralidoxime chloride can be given after exposure to the toxic nerve agents, and help to relieve symptoms caused by these potentially lethal substances. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Prevention of malaria
Article Abstract:
People who travel to countries where malaria is common should take specific drugs to prevent the disease. Chloroquine should be used in all areas where the organism that carries malaria is sensitive to the drug. In all other areas, mefloquine is the drug of choice, but doxycycline or the combination of atovaquone and proguanil can be used. Alternatives include primaquine or chloroquine plus pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine or proguanil. Detailed instructions on drug use are included as is a list of countries affected by malaria.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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Palonosetron (Aloxi) for prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy
Article Abstract:
Palonosetron (Aloxi) is the first serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist approved by FDA that is used to prevent both acute and delayed nausea and vomiting due to moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. It is recommended that a single intravenous dose of 0.25 mg delivered over 30 seconds should be given 30 minutes before chemotherapy.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2004
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