Paraquat poisoning in man.

In three cases of intoxication by Gramoxone¿, the concentration of paraquat dichloride in blood, dialysate, feces, and urine was determined spectrophotometrically after a clean-up of the biological material by means of ion exchange chromatography (with Dowex 50W-X12 or Zeo-Karb 225). Although good results were obtained after clean-up with Dowex 50W-X12, Zeo-Karb was preferred as ion exchange resin, especially when large sample volumes were needed for the determination. The reported findings indicate that: only 5 to 10% of an ingested dose of paraquat dichloride is absorbed in man, Fullers' earth is very useful, and that primary, e.g. immediate, hemodialysis is necessary.