DuoDote

DuoDote is a combination medicine that works as an antidote for poisoning caused by pesticides (insect sprays) or chemicals that affect the central nervous system, like nerve gas.

DuoDote does not work as an antidote for every kind of pesticide poisoning. You might need other medications or treatments.

DuoDote may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

In an emergency, you might not be able to inform caregivers about your health conditions. Ensure that any doctor treating you afterward is aware that you received DuoDote.

If you can, before you get DuoDote, inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to any medication;
• heart problems, a heart attack or stroke;
• high blood pressure;
• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), or another breathing problem;
• glaucoma; or
• urination problems.

In an emergency, it may not be possible to let your caregivers know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ensure that any doctor looking after your pregnancy or your baby is aware that you have received this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some of the side effects of atropine and pralidoxime may be similar to the symptoms of poisoning. Your caregivers will watch you closely to see if your body is responding well to the medication, or if you are having any serious side effects.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
• trouble swallowing;
• painful or difficult urination;
• little or no urination;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior; or
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of DuoDote may include:

• trouble breathing;
• dry mouth;
• dry eyes, vision changes, increased sensitivity to light;
• nausea, vomiting;
• fast heartbeats, increased blood pressure;
• behavior changes, feeling excited or confused;
• decreased urination;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• muscle weakness;
• dry skin, rash; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DuoDote is injected into a muscle in your upper thigh. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

DuoDote is usually given as soon as possible after the onset of poisoning symptoms. If you still have symptoms after 10 to 15 minutes, you will receive 2 more injections.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely.

You may be watched for up to 72 hours to make sure the medicine has been effective and you no longer have any effects of the poison.

Since DuoDote is used as needed, it does not have a regular daily dosing schedule.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.

An overdose may occur if you receive DuoDote but have not actually been exposed to the specific poisons this medication is meant to treat. Symptoms may include vision problems, feeling unsteady, loss of balance or coordination, trouble concentrating, fast heart rate, confusion, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things), decreased sweating, hot and dry skin, fainting, weak or shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Atropine can decrease sweating, and you may be more prone to heat stroke for a short time after receiving this medication.

Other drugs may affect DuoDote, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. If possible, before you receive DuoDote, tell your doctor about all your current medicines.