TABLE 8-2Potential Additional Countermeasures for Vesicant Agent Poisoning

AntidoteEfficacyAvailabilityPotential Civilian UtilityStockpile
Topical skin protectan (TSP)Passive protectionGoal is FDA license by FY00Prehospital high-risk personnelHealth Dept.
Reactive TSP (decontaminates)Proof of principleGoal is FDA license by FY08Prehospital high-risk personnelHealth Dept.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibitora
Nitroarginine methylester (NAME) effective at high concentrations		Cell culture vs. sulphur mustardPreclinicalInsufficient evidenceN/A
Combinations of dexamethasone, heparin promethazine, vitamin E, sodium thiosulfatebPreliminary evidence in ratsFDA-approved drugsInsufficient evidenceN/A
Sodium thiosulphate (i.v.)Animal data shows effects up to 20 min post exposureFDA-approved drugInsufficient evidenceN/A
N-acetyl CysteineProtection from vapors in ratsPreclinicalInsufficient evidenceN/A
Calcium chelatorsProtects skin cells in culturePreclinicalInsufficient evidenceN/A
CO2 laser debridementMustard ion weanling pigskinPreclinicalInsufficient evidenceN/A
a

Sawyer et al., 1996; bVojvodic et al., 1985.

From: 8, Availability, Safety, and Efficacy of Drugs and Other Therapies

Cover of Chemical and Biological Terrorism
Chemical and Biological Terrorism: Research and Development to Improve Civilian Medical Response.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on R&D Needs for Improving Civilian Medical Response to Chemical and Biological Terrorism Incidents.
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999.
Copyright 1999 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

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