Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
- Antimyasthenics
- Anticholinergic Agents
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
- Parasympathomimetics
Dosage Forms
- Liquid
- Tablet
- Tablet (extended-release)
- Syrup
Brands / Synonyms
Mestinon; Pyridine N-Oxide; Pyridostigmine; Pyridostigmine Bromide; Pyridostigmine Bromine; Pyridostigminum; Regonol
Indications
For the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Pharmacology
Pyridostigmine is a parasympathomimetic and a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. Pyridostigmine is used to treat muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis and to combat the effects of curariform drug toxicity. It also has a military use as a nerve gas antidote.
Mechanism of Action
Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft by competing with acetylcholine for attachment to acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, and thereby increases efficiency of cholinergic transmission in the neuromuscular junction and prolonges the effects of acetylcholine.
Absorption
Poorly absorbed from the GI tract
Toxicity
Not Available
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Hydrolysis by cholinesterases and by liver
Contraindications
Mestinon is contraindicated in mechanical intestinal or urinary obstruction, and particular caution should be used
in its administration to patients with bronchial asthma. Care should be observed in the use of atropine for
counteracting side effects, as discussed below.
Drug Interactions
No Information Provided.
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