The efficacy of different formulations of protective-decontaminating ointments based on polyethylene glycol in rats percutaneously poisoned with highly toxic organophosphates.

Protective-decontaminating ointments based on polyethylene glycols (PEG) of different molecular weights were tested alone or with oxime N-octylpyridinium-4-aldoxime bromide, against percutaneous poisoning by the nerve gases 0-ethyl S-2-diisopropyl methylphosphorothiolate and soman in rats after 60 min exposure. PEG-based ointments consisting of higher PEG combined with the oxime proved the most efficient for both poisons. The combination of lower and medium PEG was somewhat less efficient, while the formulation consisting of mostly lower PEG exerted protective effects only in soman poisoning.