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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

  '2UBJECT: Pyridostigmine Bromide Tablets

     Purpose: To outline purpose and function of pyridostigmine
  )romide (PB) tablets.

      Facts:

      a.    Pyridostigmine Bromide      (PB) tablets, also referred to"as"-.
            Nerve Agent Pyridostigmine Pre-treatment (NAPP) are part of
            the medical defense against nerve agent exposure. The'-,.:
            'mechanism of action is    to partially "protect.1'..the targ@t@
            enzyme in the body from nerve agent. When used alone, it
            does not prevent nerve agent injury after exposure, but
            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 mi'ssedp tw
            tablets as a "make-up" dose should NOT be given. -ins
            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 required;,."

            Side effects are minimal,      occurring in less      than 1 %'
            personnel and include mild stomach cramps, nausea..
            weakness, muscle cramps,      diarrhea and skin     rash.'.'.In
            using healthy volunteers, PB did not cause          any-.deqra
            of performance when given at prescribed.doseq7.-@'@r-
                                                                        urt
            it is safe to take with      other medications.'      Consult
      . ..... personnel if significant,.symptoms occur.
            Decisions as to the initiation and cessation           of  use
            with command.
     !..PO.C Is CPT Long,   Division Surgeon's Office,


                                               BENJAMIN Hi











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