Pyridostigmine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is pyridostigmine for?

Pyridostigmine, or pyridostigmine, is a drug used to treat symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nerves of the muscles.

This drug acts on the body's chemical reactions that regulate muscle movement and nerve signals.

Pyridostigmine can also be used for other purposes not specified in this medication manual, for example for military soldiers exposed to sarin gas attack.

This drug is available under various trade names, some of which are Mestinon and Regonol.

What are the rules for using this drug?

Follow the medication rules that are given on the prescription label. Do not use this medication in more or less doses than recommended by your doctor.

Use this medication with food or milk if it causes your stomach to hurt.

Do not crush, chew or break the tablet extended-release . Swallow the tablet whole.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing spray provided, or with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a measuring device, ask your pharmacist.

The amount and timing of this medication are critical to the success of your treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully about how much medicine to use and when to use it.

Your doctor can change the dosage to make sure you get the best results. You may be asked to record each day when you took your dose and how long the effects lasted. This can help the doctor determine if the dose needs to be adjusted.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking pyridostigmine. You may need to stop this drug for a while.

How to store this drug?

Pyridostigmine is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of pyridostigmine for adults?

10 - 20 mg by injection slowly infusion. Atropine sulfate 0.6 - 1.2 mg is recommended just before pyridostigmine injection.

Airway and ventilation must be maintained until normal breathing is restored.

Adult Dose for Myasthenia Gravis

Fast acting tablets and syrups:

• Initial dose: 60 mg orally 3 times a day.
• Follow-up dosage: Increase dosage as needed at intervals of at least 48 hours. The results of the dose adjustment may take several days to show. Effective doses range from 60-1500 mg per day in 3-6 doses.

Sustained-release tablets: 180 - 540 mg orally 1-2 times daily, no more often than at 6 hour intervals. Can be used with fast acting tablets or syrups to provide accurate dose titration and optimal symptom control.

Parenteral:

2 - 5 mg IM or IV slowly every 2 - 3 hours. To supplement the oral dose before and after surgery, during labor and postpartum, during myasthenic crisis (differentiate between cholinergic crisis and myasthenic crisis before administration), or if oral therapy is not possible, 1/30 of the oral dose (2 mg IV for every 60 mg orally) may be given.

The use of continuous infusions of 2 - 4 mg per hour has been reported in the management of myasthenic crises.

What is the dose of pyridostigmine for children?

Children's Dose for Reversal Nondepolarizing Muscle Relaxant:

0.1 - 25 mg / kg / dose IV initiated with atropine or glycopyrrolate.

Airway and ventilation must be maintained until normal breathing is restored.

Children's Dose for Myasthenia Gravis

Neonatal: (a benzyl alcohol-free formulation should be used for newborns):

• Oral: 5 mg every 4 - 6 hours
• IM, IV: 0.05 - 0.15 mg / kg / dose

Children:

• Oral: 7 mg / kg / day in 5 - 6 separate doses
• IM, IV: 0.05 - 0.15 mg / kg / dose (maximum single dose: 10 mg)

In what dosage and preparation is this drug available?

Pyridostigmine is available in the following dosages:

• Mestinon Tablet, 60 mg
• Mestinon Syrup, 60 mg / 5ml
• Mestinon Timespan, 180 mg

Side effects

What side effects might pyridostigmine have?

Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction to the following drugs:

• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing
• skin rash
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using pyridostigmine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following serious side effects:

• Extreme muscle weakness, muscle twitching
• Rambling speech, visual disturbances
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Cough with phlegm
• Dazed, restless, panic attacks
• Seizures
• Worsening or no improvement in myasthenia gravis symptoms.

Less serious side effects can include:

• Cold sweat, pale skin
• Urinating more often than usual
• Watery eyes
• Mild nausea, vomiting or heartburn
• Feeling warm or tingling
• Mild rash or itching.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects after taking pyridostigmine. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using pyridostigmine?

Several medical conditions can interact with pyridostigmine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially one of the following:

• If you are taking any medicines with or without a prescription, herbal preparations or dietary supplements
• If you have an allergy to drugs, food or other substances.

Is this drug safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using pyridostigmine in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with pyridostigmine?

Several drugs can interact with pyridostigmine. Therefore, tell your doctor if you are taking any medicines other than this medication.

According to MedlinePlus, the following are drugs that have the potential to cause interactions with pyridostigmine:

• allergy medication
• fever medicine
• dexamethasone
• hydrocortisone
• medications or products containing magnesium
• medicine for heart disease or problems, especially arrhythmias
• sleeping pills
• vitamin supplements

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with pyridostigmine?

Other health conditions you have can affect the use of the drug pyridostigmine. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

The following are health conditions that may interact with pyridostigmine:

• heart problems (heart block, slow heartbeat)
• urinary tract infection
• asthma
• kidney disorders

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.