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Chemical name: 2-formyl-1-methylpyridinium chloride oxime. Available in the United States as PROTOPAM Chloride for Injection (PROTOPAM), pralidoxime chloride is frequently referred to as 2-PAM Chloride.

Structural formula:

C₇H₉CIN₂O      M.W. 172.61

Pralidoxime chloride occurs as an odorless, white, nonhygroscopic, crystalline powder which is soluble in water. Stable in air, it melts between 215° and 225° C, with decomposition.

The specific activity of the drug resides in the 2-formyl-1-methylpyridinium ion and is independent of the particular salt employed. The chloride is preferred because of physiologic compatibility, excellent water solubility at all temperatures, and high potency per gram, due to its low molecular weight.

Pralidoxime chloride is a cholinesterase reactivator.

PROTOPAM (pralidoxime chloride) for intravenous injection or infusion is prepared by cryo-desiccation. Each vial contains 1000 mg of sterile pralidoxime chloride, and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, to be reconstituted with 20 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP. The pH of the reconstituted solution is 3.5 to 4.5. Intramuscular or subcutaneous injection may be used when intravenous injection is not feasible.

Last reviewed on RxList: 10/13/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.