Pralidoxime Is No Longer Fit for Purpose as an Antidote to Organophosphate Poisoning in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Pralidoxime is the only oxime antidote to organophosphate poisoning stocked in the United Kingdom, produced by rational drug design in the 1950s. Typically, it is used alongside atropine, to reverse the effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. However, its efficacy has been questioned by recent meta-analyses of use treating attempted suicides in less economically developed countries, where organophosphate poisoning is more common. This policy analysis assesses the likely efficacy of pralidoxime in the United Kingdom, in scenarios largely different from those evaluated in meta-analyses. In all scenarios, the UK delay in antidote administration poses a major problem, as pralidoxime acts in a time-critical reactivation mechanism before “ageing” of acetylcholinesterase occurs. Additionally, changes in the organophosphates used today versus those pralidoxime was rationally designed to reverse, have reduced efficacy since the 1950s. Finally, the current dosage regimen may be insufficient. Therefore, one must re-evaluate our preparedness and approach to organophosphate poisoning in the United Kingdom.