Drug reference
soman
Organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor; Chemical warfare agent · Chemical Warfare Agent
Organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor; Chemical warfare agentChemical Warfare Agent
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Soman, an organophosphate, is among the most potent synthetic toxic agents known. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase by forming a stable conjugate with the active center serine through phosphorylation. It is highly prone to 'aging', which results from the loss of an alkoxy group, making the enzyme completely resistant to reactivators.
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability
Low molecular weight, hydrophobic, rapidly penetrates into the CNS from pulmonary inhalation of vapor or aerosol.
Metabolism
As an organophosphate, it is hydrolyzed by plasma and liver esterases (carboxylesterases and paraoxonases).
Related guidelines
Other Organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor; Chemical warfare agent drugs
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Updated: 2026-05-10