What is DuoDote?
DuoDote is a combination of medicines used to treat poisoning caused by pesticides (insecticides) or chemicals that affect the central nervous system, such as nerve gases. DuoDote does not work as an antidote to all pesticide poisonings. You may require additional treatment or medications. DuoDote can be used in other ways than those listed in the medication guide.
Side effects of DuoDote
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Some side effects of atropine or pralidoxime can be similar to symptoms of poisoning. Your caregivers will monitor you to see if your body is responding to the medication or if there are any side effects.
If you:
- If you feel your heart fluttering or pounding, then this is what it means.
- Chest pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder
- Trouble swallowing
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Little or no urination
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
Older adults may experience more side effects.
DuoDote side effects may include:
- Trouble breathing
- Dry Mouth
- Dry eyes, changes in vision, and increased sensitivity to light
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Fast heartbeats and increased blood pressure
- Feeling excited or confused can cause a change in behavior.
- Reduced urination
- Headache, dizziness, and drowsiness;
- Muscle weakness
- Dry skin and rash
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Need advice regarding side effects? Talk with your physician.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
atropine, tropicamide eye drops, Protopam Chloride, pralidoxime, atropine, and pralidoxime
Warnings
You may not be able to tell your caregivers what you are going through in an emergency. Ensure that any doctor who treats you in the future knows that you have received DuoDote.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor, if possible, if you've ever:
- An allergic reaction to any medicine;
- Heart problems can be caused by a stroke or heart attack.
- High blood pressure
- Liver or kidney disease
- COPD, asthma, or any other breathing problems;
- Glaucoma;
- Urination problems.
It may not be possible in an emergency to inform your caregivers that you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your baby that you've taken this medication.
How to take DuoDote?
DuoDote injections are given into the upper thigh muscle. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. DuoDote should be administered as soon as possible following the onset of poisoning symptoms. You will be given two more injections if you have not recovered from your symptoms after 10–15 minutes. You will be closely monitored for your breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The poison may still be present in your system for up to 72 hours after the medication has been administered.
What happens if I miss the dose?
DuoDote does not require a daily dosage schedule because it is only used as needed.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment. DuoDote can cause an overdose if the poisons it is intended to treat are not present. This may result in vision problems, unsteadiness, loss of coordination, difficulty concentrating, confusion, hallucinations (seeing and hearing things), reduced sweating, dry, hot skin, fainting, or stopping breathing.
What should be avoided?
Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise or in hot weather. Atropine may decrease sweating, and you could be more susceptible to heatstroke for a few days after taking this medication.
Interaction with other drug
DuoDote may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Tell your doctor, if possible, about all of your medications before receiving DuoDote.
