Rationally Used Antidotes in Organophosphorus Poisoning Prevents Suicidal Death

A retrospective study was undertaken in a Block Primary Health Centre to evaluate the utilization of two antidotes, atropine and pralidoxime, in Organophosphorus poisoning (OPP). This study was carried out with data from prescription record sheets of OPP patients. Data was statistically analyzed in respect of demographic profile, signs of atropinization and the health outcome after treatment with antidotes. Demographic profile of obtained 181 OPP cases revealed 100% suicidal tendency, 72.93% female, 70.17% in age group of 15–24 years and 84.53% from rural population. Nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, sweating, meiosis (82.20%), blurred vision and disturbances of consciousness (7.93%) were the main presenting sign-symptoms. Following stomach wash, 17.12% patients improved; rest 82.88% received antidotes (atropine to all and pralidoxime to 58.66% cases). Cured patients were 41.33% treated with atropine only and 34.66% after pralidoxime addition; rest got referred to the higher centre. Positive responses after atropinization were 83.33% for pupillary size and secretions and 80.66% for pulse rate. Majority of the OPP patients can be cured with atropine only in adequate doses without promoting for costly antidote (pralidoxime). Thus, cost of treatment can be reduced and suicidal death can be prevented.