Q: What is DuoDote™?
A: DuoDote is a single, dual-chambered auto-injector containing 2 separate chemical nerve agent antidotes, atropine and pralidoxime chloride. DuoDote is intended for administration in the event of chemical nerve agent or organophosphorus insecticide poisoning. The auto-injector is a pre-filled, ready-to-use unit designed to provide rapid, peak blood levels of both antidotes to treat symptoms caused by organophosphorus nerve agents and organophosphorus insecticides. Please click here to learn more about DuoDote.

Q: How is DuoDote different from the Mark I™ Kit?
A: DuoDote contains both atropine and pralidoxime chloride in a single, easy-to-use auto-injector. Please click here to learn more about the differences between DuoDote and the Mark I Kit.

Q: Which chemical nerve agents and insecticides can be counteracted with DuoDote?
A: Please click here to read descriptions of the 4 key nerve agents that DuoDote may be used against. Click here to learn about the types of insecticides for which DuoDote is an effective antidote.

Also, please click here to view the full prescribing information for DuoDote.

Q: Are there side effects associated with DuoDote?
A: Muscle tightness and sometimes pain may occur at the injection site.

The most common side effects of atropine can be attributed to its antimuscarinic action. These include dryness of the mouth, blurred vision, dry eyes, photophobia, confusion, headache, dizziness, tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, urinary hesitancy or retention, constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting, loss of libido, and impotence.

Pralidoxime can cause blurred vision, diplopia and impaired accommodation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, tachycardia, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, muscular weakness, dry mouth, emesis, rash, dry skin, hyperventilation, decreased renal function, and decreased sweating when given parenterally to normal volunteers who have not been exposed to anticholinesterase poisons.

When atropine and pralidoxime are used together, the signs of atropinization may occur earlier than might be expected when atropine is used alone.

Please click here to view the full prescribing information for DuoDote.

Q: Why does DuoDote contain 2 different antidotes?
A: Atropine and pralidoxime chloride exert different but complementary effects to counteract poisoning by chemical nerve agents as well as organophosphorus insecticides. Please click here to learn more about how these antidotes work.

Q: Are there different doses of DuoDote?
A: No, currently DuoDote is available in an auto-injector containing 2.1 mg/0.7 mL of atropine and 600 mg/2 mL of pralidoxime chloride. There is currently no pediatric dose of DuoDote.

Q: How can I order DuoDote? How much does it cost?
A: Meridian representatives can help you with pricing and ordering information. Please click here for details on contacting Meridian.

Q: What is the shelf life of DuoDote?
A: The shelf life of DuoDote is 3 years. This is different from the Mark I Kit, which had a shelf life of 5 years.

Q: Why is the shelf life of DuoDote different than that of the Mark I Kit?
A: The live data used to support approval of DuoDote were collected at 3 years. Currently, no live data exist to support DuoDote’s efficacy at more than 3 years.

Q: What is an auto-injector?
A: An auto-injector is a drug delivery system that is a pressure-activated injector for use in the rapid intramuscular administration of a variety of medications. Each auto-injector is designed for a single use, and is pre-filled with a precise dose of prescribed medication.

Q: How does an auto-injector work?
A: To activate the auto-injector, remove the safety release, place the activation tip against the mid-outer thigh, and jab or press firmly. This pressure activates the auto-injector, resulting in delivery of the drug into the thigh muscle through clothing. Please click here for detailed injection instructions.

Q: What is a training simulator?
A: Identical in size and close in appearance to the products they simulate, training simulators are designed for instruction in the proper use of auto-injectors. These simulators do not contain a needle or any medication, and can be reset after activation for repeated educational demonstration. They are distinguished by a light blue label. Please click here for details on how to order training simulators from Meridian.