Mestinon (Pyridostigmine)

General information

Mestinon is used to improve muscle strength in patients with a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). It works by preventing the breakdown of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) in your body. Acetylcholine is needed for normal muscle function.

Directions

Take Mestinon exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take it by mouth with or without food, usually 1 to 2 times daily (at least 6 hours apart) Swallow the pill whole. Taking this medication with food or milk may help to decrease side effects. The average dose is ten 60 mg tablets spaced to provide maximum relief when maximum strength is needed. In severe cases as many as 25 tablets a day may be required, while in mild cases one to six tablets a day may suffice.

Precautions

Before taking Mestinon you should talk with your doctor if you have lung disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), kidney disease, slow or irregular heartbeat. Elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects.

Contraindications

Do not use Mestinon if you are allergic to it, or to other anticholinesterase medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a bladder or bowel obstruction.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased saliva, decreased pupil size, increased urination, or increased sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, shortness of breath, rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, headache, vision problems, joint pain, watery eyes, stomach pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: anticholinesterase eye medications (physostigmine), beta blockers (timolol, propranolol), aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin), antiarrhythmic medications (disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine), narcotic pain medications (morphine, codeine), mefloquine, anticholinergic medications (clidinium, atropine, dicyclomine, belladonna, scopolamine). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, greatly increased saliva, blurred vision, fast or slow heartbeat, confusion, agitation, muscle cramps, weakness, inability to move, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.