FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

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What is the primary function of Pralidoxime in poisoning treatment?

  1. Stabilizes heart rhythm

  2. Reverses binding of AChE inhibitors

  3. Replenishes glucose levels

  4. Reduces potassium absorption

The correct answer is: Reverses binding of AChE inhibitors

Pralidoxime is specifically designed to address poisoning caused by organophosphates and other acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. The primary function of Pralidoxime is to reverse the binding of these inhibitors to the AChE enzyme. AChE is crucial for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the body. When an individual is poisoned with an AChE inhibitor, the enzyme is inactivated, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses. This accumulation can cause overstimulation of the nervous system, resulting in a host of toxic symptoms. Pralidoxime works by reactivating AChE—essentially "pulling off" the inhibitor from the enzyme, which allows normal neurotransmitter metabolism to resume. This is essential for mitigating the adverse effects of the poisoning, including respiratory failure and neuromuscular complications. Thus, Pralidoxime's primary role in treatment is to restore normal function of the cholinergic system by reversing the effects of the poisoning at the enzymatic level.