Pyridine-2-aldoxime methiodide. A valuable agent for phosphate poisoning.

Phosphate insecticide use is increasing as is concomitant human poisoning. Home insecticide bomb as well as agricultural, crop contamination and suicidal exposure are noted. Clinical poisoning may be chronic and severe. It may follow long exposure or short exposure with heavy dosages. Manifestations are those of excessive cholinergic activity.Adequate laboratory means for early, rapid diagnosis and screen testings are available.PAM is a valuable agent for this type of poisoning and is a much more adequate and complete antidote than atropine. It is available (under certain restrictive conditions presently). It is being widely used elsewhere in the world but with limited education and use in this country. Morbidity and mortality continue at a rate that could probably be corrected. Case reports, describing the use of this antidote in our hands, are included. Government and industry responsibility as well as physician education must be more clearly defined in prevention, recognition and treatment in what is often a life threatening situation.