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What is Pyridostigmine Bromide
PyridostigmineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMyasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects muscle tone and causes weakness and fatigue. The most common treatment for this condition is a type of medication called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. The most commonly used medication is pyridostigmine, which is more effective than other types of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and has fewer side effects. Pyridostigmine can also be used to treat certain types of nerve agent poisoning and congenital myasthenic syndromes. It is available in oral tablets, extended-release tablets, syrups, and injections.
Mestinonis the brand name
Pyridostigmine Bromide Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Mestinon
Pyridostigmine
1955
38
Effectiveness
How Pyridostigmine Bromide Affects PatientsPyridostigmine bromide is a type of medication that blocks the enzyme in the body responsible for breaking down a certain type of chemical (acetylcholine). It is similar to another drug called neostigmine but tends to have fewer side effects and a longer lasting effect. Taking too much of this medication can lead to a cholinergic crisis, which causes symptoms similar to a muscle-weakening disease. If this happens, doctors will usually prescribe atropine to counter the effects, such as slow heart rate and too much mucus in the lungs.
How Pyridostigmine Bromide works in the bodyMyasthenia gravis is a condition where the body’s own antibodies damage the muscles and make it difficult for them to contract. Pyridostigmine is a medicine commonly used to treat myasthenia gravis by blocking the action of an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This leads to increased levels of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction and helps to improve muscle strength and reduce fatigue. Pyridostigmine is also used to treat congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are caused by mutations in more than 30 different genes. However, in
When to interrupt dosage
The advised dosage of Pyridostigmine Bromide is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, Neuromuscular Blockade and Gas Poisoning. The extent of dosage is determined by the method of administration (e.g. Oral or Solution - Oral) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Gas Poisoning
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Gas Poisoning
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Hypotension, Orthostatic
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Constipation
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Neuromuscular Blockade
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Myasthenia Gravis
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome
, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral
Warnings
Pyridostigmine Bromide ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction
Do Not Combine
mechanical urinary obstructions
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Pyridostigmine may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Pyridostigmine Bromide Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acetylcholine
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Pyridostigmine is combined with Acetylcholine.
Agmatine
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Agmatine can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Alcuronium
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Alcuronium can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Amantadine
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Amantadine can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Amitriptyline
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Amitriptyline can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Pyridostigmine Bromide Toxicity & Overdose RiskNot much is known about the toxicity of pyridostigmine. But those who overdose may experience a slow heart rate, excess mucus in the lungs, and a severe reaction called cholinergic crisis. Treatment for an overdose includes providing supportive care.
Pyridostigmine Bromide Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Pyridostigmine Bromide?
59 clinical trials are currently evaluating the potential of Pyridostigmine Bromide in managing Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital Disorders, Chronic Constipation and Gas Poisoning.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Myasthenia Gravis
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Constipation
21 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
Hypotension, Orthostatic
0 Actively Recruiting
Neuromuscular Blockade
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1
Gas Poisoning
0 Actively Recruiting
non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
0 Actively Recruiting
Gas Poisoning
0 Actively Recruiting
Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Pyridostigmine Bromide Reviews: What are patients saying about Pyridostigmine Bromide?
5Patient Review
8/21/2014 Prior to taking this medication, I was experiencing double vision and fatigue. I also had difficulty walking and holding my urine. After about a month of taking the medication, the double vision has cleared but I'm still quite tired.
5Patient Review
1/17/2015 This medication has been a godsend. I was diagnosed with MG in 2003 and since then, I've been taking this treatment every four hours. It's allowed me to maintain an active lifestyle, even though by the end of the week I'm usually pretty exhausted.
4.7Patient Review
12/19/2014 This drug has been incredibly effective for me. I was suffering from debilitating double vision, but after starting this medication (30mg 3x/day), I feel like I've gotten my life back. My only remaining issue is very slight double vision if I look to the far right, but it's a small price to pay compared to where I was before.
4.3Patient Review
10/1/2011 I didn't have a great experience with this medication. It made me feel crummy for weeks, and I only got relief when I stopped taking it. Let's hope the side effects don't come back...
4.3Patient Review
3/12/2014 While this medication has been great for my MG, it unfortunately gives me stomach cramps and diarrhea. This is made worse by the fact that I also have to take Crestor for my cholesterol levels.
4Patient Review
7/28/2019 I only found out about this treatment a year ago when I had serious respiratory problems. All the symptoms presented in the hospital, but at first we thought it was the antibiotics! It took some time to increase the dosage, but now I don't have any more double vision, shakiness, or difficulty swallowing. I'm getting stronger every day and am thankful that we caught it early.
4Patient Review
5/13/2017 This isn't a cure-all for M Gravis, but it definitely helps in managing the condition.
4Patient Review
7/22/2022 I was recently diagnosed with MG and started this medication 10 days ago. The first week went great, but for the last four days I've had really bad diarrhea, stomach cramps, and leg/foot cramps at night. My doctor advised me to change my dosage from 3 60 mg pills to 2 30 mg pills to see if that improves the problem. So far, my drooping eyelids have improved and I think my vision has become less blurry.
3.7Patient Review
10/2/2017 This treatment stopped my double vision, but I quickly began to experience fatigue in my arms and legs. My eye lids also droop from time to time, which can be quite severe.
3.7Patient Review
11/12/2019 This medication has helped my ocular myasthenia gravis in the past four months by clearing my vision and improving the drooping eyelid, however the side effects include fatigue, nausea, some problems swallowing and muscle weakness in the neck and shoulders.
3Patient Review
4/21/2012 This medication helped my Myasthenia Gravis by the third day. However, I've experienced cramping and leg twitches at night which has made it difficult to sleep.
2.7Patient Review
4/10/2013 This medication has helped me regain some muscle strength. The side effects have dissipated which is great. It's not a cure-all by any means, but it helps me get through the day.
2.3Patient Review
8/3/2013 I was given this during the gulf war to fight nerve agent if attacked by it. Had severe headache, and never did a thing for me.
1.7Patient Review
7/23/2017 The effects of this drug only last for four hours, even when taking the recommended 30mg. Cutting the tablet is also not very effective, especially if you have issues with dexterity.
1.3Patient Review
12/25/2013 The directions on the bottle are confusing and difficult to follow. I work a lot of hours and can't get into a regular routine of taking the pills, which makes it hard to gauge whether or not the treatment is working.
1Patient Review
4/27/2013 I have MG and sever double vision. I must type with only one eye open and drive the same way. I am taking 60 mg every 4 hours. Perhaps I will go to 30 mg every 2 hours. I may have to increase the dosage to 420 mg or more. I am only on the drug for about 2 weeks. The drug has caused urgent urination, and constant diarrhea or irritable bowel.
Patient Q&A Section about pyridostigmine bromide
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is pyridostigmine a muscle relaxer?
"This medicine is called pyridostigmine. It is helpful for increasing muscle strength and is used to treat myasthenia gravis. It can also be used to reverse the effects of some muscle relaxers."
Answered by AI
What is the drug pyridostigmine bromide used for?
"PB is a drug that has been used for many years to protect people from the harmful effects of nerve agents. It is also used to treat myasthenia gravis and to reverse the effects of surgery."
Answered by AI
What type of drug is pyridostigmine bromide?
"The drug Mestinon belongs to a class of drugs called Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors, which act on the peripheral nervous system."
Answered by AI
What is pyridostigmine side effects?
"The following effects may occur: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased saliva/sweating, runny nose, decreased pupil size, or increased urination. If you experience any of these effects for an extended period of time, or if they worsen, consult your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI