ANTHRAX 17 JAN 91

File: 970725_sep96_decls18_0002.txt
Page: 0002
Total Pages: 4
Subject = ANTHRAX  17 JAN 91                                              

Parent Organization = XVIII CORPS 

Unit = 24TH ID     

Folder Title = MEMOS AN MEDICAL SPT                                                                            

Document Number =          6

Box ID = BX001447







                                                         AFZP-MD
                                                         17 January   1991

                             INFORMATION PAPER

 SUBJECT: Pyridostigmine Bromide Tablets
 1'..Purpose: To outline purpose and function of pyridostigmine'
 Dromide (PB) tablets.

 1. Facts:
                                                                      .S;
      a.  Pyridostigmine Bromide   (PB) tablets, also referred
          Nerve Agent Pyridostigmine Pre-treatment (HAPP)'are pai?,E'o"f
          the medical defense against nerve agent exposure.. The.@--"
          mechanism of action is to partially "proteet'If"the target.-
          enzyme in the body from nerve aient. When..used-alone,-,it.'...
          does not prevent nerve agent in@ury after exposure,,butl
          instead enhances the drug therapy provided by the
          standard use of the MARK I kit. It is primarily effective
          against Soman (GD). Studies indicate that PB pretreatment
          with MARK I kit administration will raise the amount of,.
          nerve agent required as a lethal dose as much as 25 times,:
          markedly increasing survivability.

      b.  The unit of issue is the blister pack, which contains
          21 tablets (30 mg each), a 7 day supply. The@dose is       one,...,
          (1) tablet every 8 hours, and if doses are missed,       tw
                              -up" dose should NOT be given..@-ini
          tablets as a "make
          resumption of an every 8 hour:schedule is preferred.'
          onset of action is 1 - 3 hours and use can,continue
          to 3 weeks before medical reevaluation is req@'ired@-,.'-
      q.  Side effects are mininal,'occurring in less
          personnel and include mild stomach cramps, nausea
          weakness, muscle cramps, diarrhea and skin rash.';..,
                                                       e an@    e
          using healthy volunteers, PB did not cau     '        graditi6ii@-,
                                                       r
                                                       d       Furthermore
        .,.of performance when given'at prescribed,
          it'is safe to take with other medications;.,;        ult m
                                                          _C
                                     -symptoms occur.
          .personnel if significant

          Decisions as to the initiation-and cossation.of'@use     r
          with command.

      POC is CPT Long,   Division Surgeon's Office,    5



                                          BENJAMIN   HAI