DATA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION REQUEST

File: 121096_sep96_decls26_0004.txt
Page: 0004
Total Pages: 5

Subject: DATA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION REQUEST                             

Unit: OTSG        

Parent Organization: HSC         

Box  ID: BX003203

Folder Title: FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION RECORD                                                                   

Document Number:          1

Folder Seq  #:        116






         SGPS-CP                                          14 August 1990


         MEMORANDTIM FOR THE SURGEON GENERAL .       -

         STJB,7ECT:    Policy statement on the Pretreatment use of
         Pyridostigmine in Aviation Personnel


         1. Recent inquiries to OTSG have indicated a need for guidance on
         the safety and efficacy of using pyridostigmine bromide in the
         pretreatment of aviation personnel operating in-an environment that
         may become or is-eaready centani-nated with ner-e@ent(s).
         Chapter 2, Section V, of FM 8-285 contains detailed information on
         the usage of pyridostigmine. All flight surgeons and aeromedical
         physicians assistants (APA) must become thoroughly familiar with
         this FM.

         2.     Pyridostigmine bromide is a reversible anticholinergic
         pretreatment adjunct to the Mark I Nerve Agent antidote kit that
         enhances the survivability of nerve agent poisoned casualties. To
         be 'maximally effective, one 30 mg pyridostigmine tablet should be
         taken orally 3 hours prior to exposure and every 8 hours thereafter
         (7 day dose packs) until notified to be discontinued/continued by
         the appropriate command authority        Pryidostigmine taken orally
         reaches maximum effect within 32.hours.           its use should be
         initiated when nerve agent exposure is expected and MOPP gear is
         to be used. Should suspect exposure occur, pyridostigmine should
         be continued until cleared by medical personnel.

         3. Detrimental side affects at the recommended dosage are uncommon
         but include headache, skin rash, abdominal cramps, diarrhea,
         nausea, -muscle weakness and cramps, and pinpoint pupil (miosis).
         Most syptoms are caused by overdosage, including double dosing to
         Tnakp- up for mirsed dozes.     l)ircontinuing pyridnrtigmina rhniilc3
         alleviate the signs and symptoms of most adverse reactions but
    atropine may be required for more severe cases.

         4.   Aircrew performance degradation is minimal to rare wh            en
         pyridosticjmine is taken at the recommended dosage.        Known side
         effects of aeromedical significance associated with higher dosages
         include .   double     vision,     blurred      vision,      increased.
         tearing/salivation, and gastrointestinal upsets.       These symptoms
         are dose related and rarely seen on the recommended regimen but
         must be monitored by aviation medicine personnel. Pyridostigmine
         does not appear to affect mood,            onset of fatigue,       crew
         coordination, flight performance, -mission completion, navigational
         and target accuracy, performance 6f complex tasks, and visual-inotor
         coordination. Some degration in unaided night vision and sweating
         should be expected, but this should not interfor with mission
         completion. Studies are now underway to evaluate the effects of
         pyridostigmine on night vision and heat stress.







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Document 5 f:/Week-36/BX003203/FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION RECORD/data facsimile transmission request:12069615355727
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003203
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION RECORD
Folder Seq # = 116
Subject = DATA FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION REQUEST
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 06-DEC-1996