CHOLINESTERASE REGENERATORS

Pralidoxime is the prototype cholinesterase regenerator. These chemical antagonists contain an oxime group, which has an extremely high affinity for the phosphorus atom in organophosphate insecticides. Because the affinity of the oxime group for phosphorus exceeds the affinity of the enzyme-active site for phosphorus, these agents are able to bind the inhibitor and displace the enzyme if aging has not occurred. The active enzyme is thus regenerated. Pralidoxime, is used to treat patients exposed to high doses of organophosphate AChE inhibitor insecticides, such as parathion, or to nerve gases. It is not recommended for use in carbamate AChE inhibitor overdosage.