Which of the following is the primary antidote used in children with organophosphate poisoning?
Organophosphate Poisoning Antidote in Children
Organophosphate poisoning occurs when the body has too much acetylcholine due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzymes. This leads to a cholinergic crisis.
Primary Antidote Explained
Atropine is the primary antidote used in children with organophosphate poisoning. It works by blocking the effects of excess acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptors, helping to alleviate symptoms like excessive salivation, bradycardia, and bronchospasm.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- Physostigmine: This is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor itself and can worsen organophosphate poisoning symptoms. It is generally contraindicated.
- Sodium bicarbonate: Used to treat metabolic acidosis, which might occur secondary to poisoning, but it is not the direct antidote for the cholinergic effects.
- Naloxone: This medication is an opioid antagonist and is used for opioid overdose, not organophosphate poisoning.
Therefore, Atropine is the correct choice for managing the immediate effects of organophosphate poisoning in children.
Important Questions from Acute Poisoning
Which of the following toxidromes is associated with the consumption of pesticides containing organophosphates?
- Which one of the following drugs is the antidote for benzodiazepine poisoning?
A 3-year old child develops severe respiratory distress after inhalation of fumes arising from burning plastic. The child is started on supportive ventilation. Which one of the following antidotes needs to be given?
- All of the following features are present in Organophosphorus poisoning EXCEPT:
- Small sized pupils are seen in poisoning with all EXCEPT:
