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What is the antidote for organophosphate toxicity, which is caused by AChE (Acetylcholinesterase) inhibitors, and how does it work to counteract the toxic effects?

User Fuzzybear
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Final answer:

The antidote for organophosphate toxicity involves the use of atropine and pralidoxime chloride (2-PAMCI); atropine reduces symptoms by blocking acetylcholine receptors, while pralidoxime reactivates the inhibited enzyme AChE.

Step-by-step explanation:

The antidote for organophosphate toxicity, which results from the inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), typically involves the use of an anticholinergic such as atropine, and an oxime like pralidoxime chloride (2-PAMCI). Atropine acts by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, thus reducing the effects of excess acetylcholine that accumulates due to the inhibition of AChE. On the other hand, pralidoxime chloride reactivates AChE by removing the phosphate group that has bound to the enzyme, thereby allowing the normal breakdown of acetylcholine. This combination of medications helps to counteract the effects of organophosphate poisoning, which include continuous nerve impulse transmission and unending muscle contractions due to the prevented inactivation of acetylcholine.

User Chrwahl
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