Prostigmin

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Prostigmin (neostigmine bromide), an anticholinesterase agent, is available for oral administration in 15 mg tablets. Each tablet also contains gelatin, lactose, corn starch, stearic acid, sugar and talc.

Chemically, neostigmine bromide is (m-hydroxyphenyl) trimethylammonium bromide dimethylcarbamate. It is a white, crystalline, bitter powder, soluble 1:1 in water, with a molecular weight of 303.20 and the following structural formula:

PROSTIGMIN® 
  (neostigmine bromide) Structural Formula Illustration

What are the possible side effects of neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • severe diarrhea;
  • seizure (convulsions);
  • feeling light-headed, fainting;
  • vision problems; or
  • fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

  • sweating or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Prostigmin »

What are the precautions when taking neostigmine (Prostigmin)?

Before taking neostigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anticholinesterase medications (e.g., pyridostigmine); or to bromides; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: stomach/intestinal blockage, urinary blockage, a certain abdominal problem (peritonitis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures, asthma, heart disease (e.g., slow/irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), a...

Read All Potential Precautions of Prostigmin »


Prostigmin Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased saliva/mucus, decreased pupil size, increased urination, or increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new or increased muscle cramps/weakness/twitching, new or increased difficulty swallowing, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking neostigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anticholinesterase medications (e.g., pyridostigmine); or to bromides; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: stomach/intestinal blockage, urinary blockage, a certain abdominal problem (peritonitis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures, asthma, heart disease (e.g., slow/irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease), a certain nerve disorder (vagotonia), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., severe constipation, ulcer, megacolon).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.


Prostigmin Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Prostigmin Bromide

Generic Name: neostigmine (Pronunciation: nee o STIG meen)

  • What is neostigmine (Prostigmin)?
  • What are the possible side effects of neostigmine (Prostigmin)?
  • What is the most important information I should know about neostigmine (Prostigmin)?
  • What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking neostigmine (Prostigmin)?
  • How should I take neostigmine (Prostigmin)?
  • What happens if I miss a dose (Prostigmin)?
  • What happens if I overdose (Prostigmin)?
  • What should I avoid while taking neostigmine (Prostigmin)?
  • What other drugs will affect neostigmine (Prostigmin)?
  • Where can I get more information?

What is neostigmine (Prostigmin)?

Neostigmine affects chemicals in the body that are involved in the communciation between nerve impulses and muscle movement.

Neostigmine is used to treat the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

Neostigmine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of neostigmine (Prostigmin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • severe diarrhea;
  • seizure (convulsions);
  • feeling light-headed, fainting;
  • vision problems; or
  • fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

  • sweating or urinating more than usual;
  • drooling, watery eyes;
  • warmth or tingly feeling;
  • nausea, vomiting, mild stomach pain;
  • dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, headache;
  • mild itching or skin rash; or
  • muscle cramps, joint pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about neostigmine (Prostigmin)?

Do not use neostigmine if you have a serious stomach condition called peritonitis, or if you have a bladder or bowel obstruction.

Before using neostigmine, tell your doctor if you have asthma, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a heart rhythm disorder, circulation or blood vessel problems, an overactive thyroid, or a stomach ulcer.

The amount and timing of this medicine is extremely important to the success of your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how much medicine to take and when to take it.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. You may be asked to keep a daily record of when you took each dose and how long the effects lasted. This will help your doctor determine if your dose needs to be adjusted.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking neostigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

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