Pralidoxime is not easily available. Treatment with pralidoxime should be repeated after 30 minutes if respiration does not improve. Prognosis is good if prompt action is taken as soon as the diagnosis is made. Any delay in starting treatment may be costly. Community education in the rural areas where small or large-scale farming is practiced is very important.
Prevention is better than cure.
Doctors working in primary care centers must be aware of the dangers posed by organophosphorus compounds used by farmers. Questions should always be asked about exposure to insecticides whenever a patient is brought to their clinic comatose and with constricted pupils, particularly in agricultural areas, where their use may be prevalent. Pediatricians should work for primary prevention of poisoning, not only from their offices but also in the community, by supporting efforts at educating parents about properly storing and disposing toxic substances. References Naghi R. Management of the poisoned patients. A review of organophosphate poisoning.