The Reversal of Anticholinergic Intoxication in Man with the Cholinesterase Inhibitor VX

Summary

VX, a potent cholinesterase inhibitor, effectively reversed the central effect (delirium) produced by scopolamine and two synthetic anticholinergic compounds in man when VX was administered iv. The therapeutic effectiveness of VX was not diminished by the previous, simultaneous, or subsequent administration of pralidoxime chloride which restored the red blood cell cholinesterase inhibition produced by VX. However, VX administered orally in a dose that produced equivalent red blood cell cholinesterase depression was ineffective.

We wish to thank the nurses and technicians of the Clinical Research Branch for the ward care of the subjects. We also thank J. S. Ketchum for helpful suggestions during the study, S. A. Cucinell for constructive comments on the manuscript, and Marion P. Royston for editorial assistance.

Part of this report was presented at the April 1973 meeting of the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology, Atlantic City, New Jersey.