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Brand Names: Protopam Chloride

Generic Name: pralidoxime injection (Pronunciation: PRAL i DOX eem)

• What is pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?
• What are the possible side effects of pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?
• How is pralidoxime injection given (Protopam)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Protopam)?
• What happens if I overdose (Protopam)?
• What should I avoid after receiving pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?
• What other drugs will affect pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?

Pralidoxime reverses muscle weakness or paralysis caused by a poison or certain drug overdose.

Pralidoxime is used as an antidote to treat poisoning by a pesticide or by a drug used to treat a muscle disorder.

This medication is not effective as an antidote for all types of pesticide poisonings.

Pralidoxime may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast heart rate;
• rapid breathing;
• increased muscle stiffness;
• a choking feeling;

Less serious side effects may include:

• pain where the medicine was injected;
• blurred vision;
• feeling dizzy or drowsy;
• headache; or
• nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pralidoxime injection (Protopam)?

In an emergency situation, it may not be possible before you are treated with pralidoxime to tell your caregivers about any health conditions you have or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows that you have received this medication.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a fast heart rate, rapid breathing, increased muscle stiffness, or a choking feeling.

Do not use any of the following drugs while you are receiving pralidoxime: morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others), aminophylline (Truphylline), or theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theobid, Theo-Dur, and others).

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you receive pralidoxime.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested. You may also need follow-up appointments after you are released from emergency care. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.