PYRIDOSTIGMINE BROMIDE TABLETS

File: 980811_may96_decls1_0001.txt
Page: 0001
Total Pages: 1
Subject = PYRIDOSTIGMINE BROMIDE TABLETS

Box ID = BX001429

Folder Title = MISC INFORMATION PAPERS

File Cabinet = Week-22

Parent Organization = XVIII CORPS















File Room = may96_classified    

File Room = may96_classified    

File Room = may96_classified    

File Room = may96_classified    

                              Ze


                                                              AFZP-MD
                                                             17 January 1991

                                  INFORMATION  PAPER

        SUBJECT:  Pyridostigmine  Bromide Tablets-

        1. Purpose:  To outline'purpose and function   of  pyridostignine
        bromide (PB).  tablets.

        2. 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" the target
                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 missed, two
                tablets as a "make-up" dose should NOT be given.  Instead,
                resumption of an every 8 hour schedule is preferred.      The
                onset of action is 1 - 3 hours and use can continue for up
                to 3 weeks before medical reevaluation is required.

            C.  Side effects are minimal, occurring in less than I % of
                personnel and include mild stomach cramps, nausea,
                weakness, muscle cramps, diarrhea and skin rash. in studies
                using healthy volunteers, PB did not cause any degradation
                of performance when given at prescribed doses.  Furthermore,
                it is safe to take with other medications.  Consult medical
                personnel if significant symptoms occur.

            d.  Decisions as to the initiation and cessation of use remain
                with command.

        3. POC  is CPT Long, Division Surgeon's Office, 9-7663-144.



                                           J. BENJAMIN HALL/Division  Surgeon




          DECLASSIFIED
          ON: 13 MAR 98
          BY: SEC ARMY (DAMH) UNDER SEC 3.4 EO 12958