Pyridostigmine
Molecule Description
Pyridostigmine belongs to the group of anti cholinesterase medicines. It is use
d for treating myasthenia gravis, which involves weakness or rapid fatigue of muscles.
Uses of Pyridostigmine
- Myasthenia gravis
- Constipation (paralytic ileus)
- Inability to pass urine after an operation
Contraindications of Pyridostigmine
When should one not use Pyridostigmine
- Allergy to this medicine
- Obstructive condition of stomach or intestine
- Urinary obstruction
- Chronic cough
- Recently had coronary blockage (heart attack)
Side effects of Pyridostigmine
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Visual disturbance
- Excessive watering of eyes
- Irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Increased secretion of phlegm (mucus) than usual combined with constriction of the airways
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Rashes
- Excessive sweating
- Sudden urge to urinate
Precautions and Warnings of Pyridostigmine
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Pyridostigmine during pregnancy?
A:
This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Pyridostigmine while breastfeeding?
A:
This medicine is secreted into breastmilk. To be taken if advised explicitly by your doctor.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Pyridostigmine?
A:
It may cause visual disturbance and affect the ability to drive. Be cautious while driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Pyridostigmine?
A:
Avoid alcohol consumption when taking this medicine.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Tell your doctor if:
- Have low blood pressure
- Have a stomach ulcer
- Have epilepsy
- Have Parkinson’s disease
- Have kidney problems
- Heart disease
- You are allergic to Pyridostigmine or any of the other ingredients
- You have obstructive urinary or gastrointestinal issues
- Respiratory illness (COPD, asthma)
Mode of Action of Pyridostigmine
How Does It Work?
Pyridostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It stops the excessive activity of cholinesterase , potentiates the concentration of acetylcholine and helps muscles to work correctly.
Interactions of Pyridostigmine
Interactions with other medicines
- Steroids or other immunosuppressant medicines
- Antimuscarinic medicines (e.g. Atropine, Hyoscine)
- Medicines containing Methylcellulose
- Muscle relaxants like Suxamethonium
- Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
- Medicines to treat irregular heartbeat
Interactions with food items
No specific food interactions reported.
Dosage of Pyridostigmine
Overdose
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, muscle weakness, hallucinations, irregular heart beat and unsteadiness. Seek emergency medical care in case of an overdose of this medicine....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose and do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Mansi Savla
B. Pharm, PharmD
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it safe to take this medicine during pregnancy?
A: No, it is not advised to take this medicine during pregnancy. Take only if considered essential by your doctor.
Q: Does this medicine cause addiction?
A: No, this medicine is not addictive. Take it as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage or duration of this medicine by yourself.
References
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