Organophosphate insecticide poisoning and its management

Abstract

The organophosphate insecticides are potent cholinesterase inhibitors, and signs of poisoning are attributable to the accumulation of acetylcholine. The local absorption of these compounds from the conjunctiva, upper respiratory tract and skin following exposure to the aerosol or dust used in agricultural work, produces mild symptoms and is rarely of consequence except in accidents due to careless handling. The severe type of poisoning is caused usually by ingestion of the compound(s), and accumulation of large amounts of acetylcholine is fatal if not antagonized rapidly by atropine in large and continuous doses, together with respiratory support. Pyridine 2 aldoxime methiodide has been reported to be successful in treating 'Parathion' poisoning. There is experimental evidence that it is not of similar value in some other organophosphorus insecticide poisoning.