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BIPYRIDYLS

Examples of Commercial Products and Generic Names

Paraquat(Gramoxone, Pillaroxone)

Pharmacological Action or Site of Toxicity

All Pharmacological actions are based on a generation of free radicals caused by bipyridyls. This happens in almost every tissue.
Neurotoxic
Nephrotoxic
Oculo toxic
Toxic to lungs
Hepatotoxic

Routes of Absorption

Ingestion
Inhalation
Dermal

WHO Hazard Classification

Class II

Symptoms

Early symptoms

Stem from an injury of all epithelial tissues that have been in contact with the pesticide e.g. burning of mouth, oral ulcerations, substernal, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and myalgia. 

INGESTION burning in the mouth & throat, vomiting
AFTER 2-5 DAYS Hemolysis, oliguria, ulceration of the tongue, pharynx and esophagus
AFTER 5-8 DAYS Jaundice, fever, tachycardia, respiratory distress and cyanosis.
PROLONGED Inhalation of spray droplets Nosebleed
EYE CONTAMINATION Sever conjunctivitis & sometimes protracted & even permanent corneal opacification

Treatment

SPEED IS IMPERATIVE

  1. For ingestion, lavage with activated charcoal (50-100 gm in 100 ml water) followed by 200 ml of 30% suspension of Fuller's earth (Bentonite), repeated twice daily for the first 48 hours. If fullers earth is not available use activated charcoal. Also administer 200 ml of 20% mannitol in the gastric tube. Bentonite is the ideal absorbent (alternate Charcoal) which should be instilled after forced emesis or gastric lavage.
  2. Decontaminate, Flush contaminated skin, hair and eyes with large amounts of water.
  3. Do not administer supplemental oxygen.
  4. Forced diuresis, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Maintain urine out put at 200 ml/hr Furosemide 20 mg IN. every 4-8 hrs may be necessary.
  5. Charcoal hemoperfusion is most effective if begun within the first 12 hours..

Lab Tests

Simple calorimetric (dithionite) test in the urine. Blue Colour indicates the presence of paraquat in excess of 0.5 mg/l.

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Pakistan Agricultural Pesticides Association

909-910, Park Avenue, P.E.C.H.S.,
Shahrah-e-Faisal,
Karachi-75400

Tel:454 1562 Fax:454 6131