Dipyridyl Herbicides (Paraquat and Diquat) Flashcards
T/F: Paraquat is a RUP and is most toxic.
TRUE
T/F: Diquat is a GUP and is not as toxic.
TRUE
What are these herbicides soluble/insoluble in?
Soluble: water
Insoluble: hydrocarbon solvents
What enhances the toxicity of paraquat?
Vitamin E/Se deficiency, depletion of tissue glutathione and oxygen therapy
T/F: Diquat is poorly absorbed from the GI tract.
True
What are two routes of absorption for paraquat?
GI and Skin
This herbicide has significant sequestration in what organ?
Lungs- pulmonary fibrosis causing respiratory deficiency
T/F: Paraquat is excreted in urine unchanged within 24 hrs.
TRUE- not lipid soluble
What reduces these herbicides into a single oxygen molecule?
Nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)
These herbicides produce what that causes membrane damage, cellular degeneration and necrosis (predilection for lungs)?
Free radical production
What are the major lesions associated with these herbicides?
Respiratory lesions- pulmonary congestion, hemorrhage, fibrosis and failure of lungs to collapse
What might you notice in the oral cavity of a patient poisoned by these herbicides?
Lingual ulcers
What might you notice about the liver, kidney and spleen on post-mortem exam?
Congestion and enlargement
What is the perferred adsorbent?
Activated charcoal
What supportive therapy is contraindicated early due to increased lung damage?
Oxygen therapy
