Miosis nerve agent poisoning

Symptoms of nerve agent poisoning resulting from a low dose include increased saliva production, runny nose, and a feeling of pressure on the chest. Pupils of the eyes exhibit pinpoint constriction (miosis), short-range vision is impaired, and the victim feels pain when trying to focus on a nearby object. Headache may follow with tiredness, slurred speech, and hallucinations. Exposures to higher doses present more dramatic symptoms. Bronchioconstriction and secretion of mucous in the... 

Doses should be repeated every 2-5 minutes until skin becomes flushed, secretions dry and signs of respiratory compromise improve (reduced airway pressures and end tidal C02). Miosis is not noted to reverse with atropine therapy. Tachycardia is an expected occurrence. Field experience of treating nerve agent poisoning has demonstrated that some casualties require massive doses of atropine (up to 1 g). An intravenous infusion may be considered in resistant cases. 

SAFETY PROFILE A deadly human poison by skin contact and inhalation. (A small drop on the skin can kill a man.) A deadly experimental poison by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, and intraperitoneal routes. Human systemic effects muscle weakness, bronchiolar constriction, nausea or vomiting, flaccid paralysis without anesthesia, miosis (pupOlar constriction), cholinesterase inhibition. A nerve gas used as a chemical warfare agent. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, drj chemical. When heated to decomposition or reacted with steam, it emits very toxic fumes of F and PO.. See also PARATHION. 

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