Pyridostigmine For Military Combat Medical Use (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing - Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not skip, double up on your dose, or stop taking it unless directed by your medical officer. Taking pyridostigmine right before being exposed to soman nerve agent (e.g., when the gas attack alarm is given) or at the same time as poisoning by soman may not work. And, it may make the symptoms of an exposure to soman much worse.

Pyridostigmine use must be stopped at the first sign of nerve agent poisoning. Tell your medical officer or chain of command if you think you may have symptoms of nerve agent poisoning such as weak muscles or trouble breathing.

It is important that you wear protective clothes such as masks, hoods and overgarments designed to protect against nerve agent poisoning.

The dose of pyridostigmine will be determined by your chain of command and/or medical officer based on the threat of soman nerve agent exposure. Follow your medical officer's directions about how much and when to take this medicine. . The following is the dosing information for pyridostigmine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For protection against soman nerve agent poisoning:
    • Adults - The usual dose is one 30 mg tablet every 8 hours

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Store in the refrigerator.
• Store away from direct light.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your medical officer how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.