World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

REVIEW ARTICLE: IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ORGANOPHOSPHORUS COMPOUND POISONING

*Dr. Jagdish Kumar Anant, Dr. S.R.Inchulkar, Dr. Prafulla and Dr. Sangeeta Bhagat

ABSTRACT

Organophosphorus compound (OPCs) is one of the most common causes of self-poisoning, which is seen in India. They are used as insecticides, herbicides, antihelminthics, ophthalmic agents, in chemical industry, and as nerve agents in chemical warfare. The OPCs which are in use since 1940s worldwide as insecticides have been a source of poisoning and continue to pose management problems. OPCs pesticide intoxications are estimated at 3 million per year worldwide with approximately 300000 deaths. Of these, about 1 million are accidental, and 2 million are suicidal poisonings. The fatality rate following deliberate ingestion of OPCs pesticides in developing countries in Asia is approximately 20% and may reach 70% during certain seasons and at rural hospitals. Medical treatment and management of organophosphorus pesticide poisoning is challenging, particularly in resource poor places where most of these patients present. Clinical practice is often less than ideal, with poor initial resuscitation and steadiness, and poor use of antidotes. Resuscitation, Decontamination, Specific antidote, and preventive measures continue to be the main stay of therapy. This review discusses the mode of action, clinical features, management, complications and postmortem findings along with its medicolegal aspects of OPCs intoxication.

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