A comparison of the oximes HS-6 and HI-6 in the therapy of soman intoxication in rodents.

The bisquaternary mono-oximes HS-6 and HI-6 may both be considered as potential therapeutic agents for soman intoxication. It has been found that HI-6 was superior to an equal dose of /S-6 in the treatment of soman intoxication in mice and rats. Not only did HI-6 protect against higher levels of soman, but also fewer "delayed deaths" were seen following HI-6. In anesthetized atropinized rats, the administration of HI-6 resulted in a longer duration of spontaneous breathing and a higher degree of recovery of neuromuscular function than did the use of HS-6. HS-6 interacted with soman to alter the rate of excretion of the oxime. This problem was not encountered when HI-6 was used.