Pronunciation: peer-id-oh-STIG-meen
Generic Name: Pyridostigmine
Brand Name: Mestinon
Pyridostigmine is used for:
Treating myasthenia gravis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Pyridostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by improving nerve impulses in muscles so that the muscles are better able to work.
Do NOT use Pyridostigmine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Pyridostigmine
- you are taking quinine or quinidine
- you have a stomach, intestinal, or urinary blockage
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Pyridostigmine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Pyridostigmine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have heart problems (eg, heart block, slow heartbeat), a urinary tract infection, asthma, or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pyridostigmine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Quinine or quinidine because effectiveness of Pyridostigmine may be decreased
- Succinylcholine because actions and side effects may be increased by Pyridostigmine
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Pyridostigmine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Pyridostigmine:
Use Pyridostigmine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Pyridostigmine may be taken with or without food. Take with food if it upsets your stomach.
- If you miss a dose of Pyridostigmine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pyridostigmine.
Important safety information:
- Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Pyridostigmine.
- Use Pyridostigmine with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Pyridostigmine, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Pyridostigmine during pregnancy. Pyridostigmine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Pyridostigmine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Pyridostigmine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; trouble breathing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Pyridostigmine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; trouble breathing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.
Proper storage of Pyridostigmine:
Store Pyridostigmine between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Pyridostigmine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Pyridostigmine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Pyridostigmine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Pyridostigmine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Pyridostigmine resources
- Pyridostigmine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Pyridostigmine Dosage
- Pyridostigmine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Pyridostigmine Drug Interactions
- Pyridostigmine Support Group
- 12 Reviews for Pyridostigmine - Add your own review/rating
Compare Pyridostigmine with other medications
- Dysautonomia
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Nerve Agent Pretreatment
- Reversal of Nondepolarizing Muscle Relaxants
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