Washington Pesticide Laws and Safety Practice Test

For what condition is Protopam chloride not recommended as an antidote?

1. Organophosphate poisoning

2. Carbamate poisoning

3. Cyanide poisoning

4. Snake venom poisoning

The correct answer is: Carbamate poisoning

Protopam chloride is not recommended as an antidote for carbamate poisoning because it can actually worsen the symptoms. Carbamates, also known as carbamate insecticides, primarily affect the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, headache, sweating, muscle twitching, and respiratory failure. Protopam chloride, on the other hand, works by reactivating the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that is affected by carbamate poisoning. However, in the case of carbamate poisoning, too much acetylcholinesterase activity can cause more harm than good. That is why Protopam chloride is not recommended for treating this type of poisoning. It is important to identify the specific type of poisoning in order to administer the appropriate antidote.