CON: Oximes should not be used routinely in organophosphorus insecticide poisoning

Organophosphorus (OP) insecticide poisoning causes respiratory failure due to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The AChE reactivating antidote pralidoxime was developed in the 1950s and was soon noted to benefit patients occupationally poisoned with the highly potent OP insecticide parathion. Routine use of pralidoxime and other oximes such as obidoxime then became widely recommended. However, nearly all severe cases of OP poisoning now result from self-poisoning with large volumes of less potent (WHO hazard class Ib and II) insecticides and co-formulated solvents. Unfortunately, oxime clinical trials have never shown benefit from their use for these patients, and some have shown that pralidoxime may be associated with harm, including increased mortality. Oximes should not be used routinely for the care of OP insecticide-poisoned patients until translational and clinical studies have identified a safe and effective oxime regimen and identified the patients who benefit.

Automated summary

The routine use of AChE reactivating antidotes like pralidoxime for organophosphorus poisoning may not always be effective, as studies have shown that they may actually harm patients. Oximes should not be used routinely for organophosphorus poisoning until safer and more effective treatment options are identified through translational and clinical studies.