Table 5.4. Nerve Agent Triage and Dosing
| Symptoms |
Triage Level: Disposition |
Anticholinergics |
Oxime-Pralidoxime Chloride (2-PAM) |
Benzodiazepinesa |
| Asymptomatic |
Delayed: observe. |
None |
None |
None |
| Miosis, mild rhinnorhea |
Delayed: admit or observe. |
None |
None |
None |
| Miosis and any other symptom |
Immediate: admit. |
Atropine.
0.05 mg/kg IV, IM, IO, to max 4 mg; repeat as needed q 5-10 min until
pulmonary resistance improves or secretions resolve; correct hypoxia before
IV use; increased risk of ventricular fibrillation.
Alternatives:
Consider scopolamine for nervous system and peripheral effects;
glycopyrrolate for peripheral effects only.
|
2-PAM.
25-50 mg/kg IV, IM, to max 1,800 mg; repeat
q 1 hr prn; watch for muscle rigidity, laryngospasm, tachycardia, hypertension.
|
If neurologic symptoms or rapid progression:
Midazolam.
0.15-0.2 mg/kg, IM, IV, repeat as necessary or start continuous IV
drip; less likely to cause apnea by IM route
Diazepam IV, prn (see below)
Lorazepam
IV at 0.05-0.1 mg/kg (IM absorption variable).
If IV or IM is not
available, consider midazolam given sublingual or intranasal at 0.2 mg/kg
or diazepam prn or lorazepam prn.
|
| Apnea, convulsions, cardiopulmonary arrest |
Immediate: admit, intensive-care status. |
Atropine
0.05-0.10 mg/kg IV, IM, IO
Repeat q 5-10 min as above (no max).
Endotracheal tube: increase
dose 2-3 times, mix with 3-5
mL normal saline and introduce via suction catheter, flush 3-5
mL normal saline.
|
2-PAM
25-50 mg/kg IV, IM, as above.
|
Midazolam, as above.
Diazepam.
30 days to 5 yr old: 0.05-0.3 mg/kg, IV, max 5 mg/dose.
≥5 yr old: 0.05-0.3 mg/kg, IV, max 10 mg/dose.
Repeat q 15-30 min, prn.
Lorazepam IV, IM.
|
| Autoinjector |
|
Atropine
2 mg for ≥40 kg
1 mg for ≥20 kg
0.5 mg for ≥10 kg
(0.05 mg/kg/dose).
|
2-PAM
600 mg for ≥12 kg
(50 mg/kg/dose).
|
Diazepam
10 mg for ≥30 kg
(0.3 mg/kg/dose).
|
Notes: IV = intravenous; IM = intramuscular.
a Monitor respiratory status and blood pressure.
Note: Remember airway, breathing, circulation, decontamination/drugs. Consider oxygen, bronchodilators, nasogastric tube/drainage, ophthalmic analgesia, mydriatics, temperature control. If prolonged impairment of consciousness, electroencephalogram (EEG) (to rule out nonconvulsive status epilepticus) and imaging.
Source: Adapted from Rotenberg JS, Newmark J. Pediatrics 2003;112:648-58.
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