Organophosphate Poisoning

Organophosphate Poisoning – General Information

Organophosphate, usually abbreviated OP, is the general name for the esters of the phosphoric acid. Phosphates are the most pervasive organophosphorus compounds (which are chemical compounds that have carbon-phosphorus bounds). The majority of the most important biochemicals are organophosphates, including the DNA, the RNA and many cofactors (are non-protein chemical compounds that are bound to enzymes that are required for catalysis) that are vital. The organophosphates are the basis for many herbicides, insecticides and nerve gases and are used as plasticizers, solvents and additives. Many organophosphates are potent neurotoxins (which are toxins that act on the neurons) that act by inhibiting the action of the acetylcholinesterase in the neurons. They are the most common cause of Organophosphate Poisoning all over the world.

Organophosphate Poisoning is caused by the fact that these compounds are able to inhibit acetylcholinesterase at cholinergic junctions of the nervous system. The most important of the junctions are postganglionic parasympathetic neuroeffector junctions, neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, and some synapses in the central nervous system. Acetylcholine is the neurohumoral mediator for all these junctions; on the other side Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine and stimulates the nerves which allows acetylcholine to accumulate and result in excessive stimulation, which is one of the first signs of depression. The Organophosphate Poisoning compounds are very different when it comes about their toxic capabilities and are better than over insecticides because they produce little or no tissue residues.

Organophosphate Poisoning – Symptoms

 It is well known that any medical disorder (including Organophosphate Poisoning) can trigger a variety of symptoms. Therefore, some of this medical condition's most uncommon symptoms have not been listed here.
Acute signs of the poisoning can appear within in the first 12 hours after the inhalation or cutaneous absorption and even faster in ingestion cases. The clinical signs of Organophosphate Poisoning are caused by an excess of acetylcholine at the nerve endings, which mimics hyperactivity of the parasympathetic nervous system.
The signs that are related to the alimentary tract are the followings:

• Salivation
• Lacrimation
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Intestinal hypermotility
• Frequent urination
• Colic
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Incoordination due to the muscular weakness
• Apprehension
• Seizures
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• headaches
• Nausea

The muscarinic effects of the acetylcholine lead to bronchoconstriction and to an increase in the bronchial secretions. The nicotinic effects of the acetylcholine are involuntary, violent and irregular violent muscle contractions and weakness of the voluntary muscles. Death can occur due to respiratory failure.
The animals that are affected by the Organophosphate Poisoning can lose weight because they are unable to feed or drink as a result of the muscular weakness. The susceptibility to this disease varies among the individuals, no matter the specie.
There are no definite postmortem changes seen, but when they are present they are secondary to the following symptoms:

• Pulmonary edema
• Asphyxia
• Kidney and liver degeneration
• Gastroenteritis

Organophosphate Poisoning – Treatment

After the contact with organophosphates, leave the area where the chemicals were released and move to fresh air. After this you should remove the clothes that can have chemicals on them. Any clothes that have to be pulled over the head should be cut in order to avoid the contact with the mouth, nose and eyes. If you have to help somebody to take off their clothes you should avoid touching the contaminated areas of the Organophosphate Poisoning.
You must wash the affected areas of the Organophosphate Poisoning:

• Wash any chemicals from the skin with lots of soap and water
• If your eyes are affected you must rinse your wise with clean water for 10 to 15 minutes
• If you wear contact lenses and they are contaminated you should take them off and put them away with the clothes and in no case should you put them back on.
• If you wear glasses and they are contaminated you should wash them with soap and water and after that you can wear them again
• If you wear jewelry you should take it off and wash it also with soap and water before putting it back.

You must discard the contaminated items of the Organophosphate Poisoning:

• Atreza -  is used for treating the spasms in the stomach
• Atropen
• Atropine- is a parenteral anticholinergic agent and muscarinic antagonist
• Atropine Ointment – is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions of the eyes
• Atropine Ophthalmic
• Mydral- is an anticholinergic
• Mydracyl - is an anticholinergic
• Mydracyl Ophthalmic
• Ocu-Tropic – relaxes the muscles in the eyes
• Ocu-Tropic Ophthalmic - is used to dilate the pupils before a control
• Opticyl Ophthalmic
• Pralidoxime - is used together with another medicine called atropine to treat poisoning caused by organic phosphorus pesticides
• Pralidoxime Ophthalmic
• Protopam Chloride–  is an antidote to organophosphate chemicals
• Sal-Tropine – is used in treating the spasms in the stomach, intestines, and other organs
• Tropicacyl – helps the muscles of the eyes to relax
• Tropicacyl Ophathalmic - helps the muscles of the eyes to relax
• Tropicamide - helps the muscles of the eyes to relax
• Tropicamide Ophthalmic - helps the muscles of the eyes to relax