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DRUG DESCRIPTION
Mestinon (pyridostigmine bromide tablets, USP) is an orally active cholinesterase inhibitor. Chemically, pyridostigmine bromide is 3-hydroxy-1-methylpyridinium bromide dimethylcarbamate. Its structural formula is:
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Mestinon (pyridostigmine) is available in the following forms: Syrup containing 60 mg pyridostigmine bromide per teaspoonful in a vehicle containing 5% alcohol, glycerin, lactic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbitol, sucrose, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1, flavors and water. Tablets containing 60 mg pyridostigmine bromide; each tablet also contains lactose, silicon dioxide and stearic acid. Timespan Tablets containing 180 mg pyridostigmine bromide; each tablet also contains carnauba wax, corn-derived proteins, magnesium stearate, silica gel and tribasic calcium phosphate.
What are the possible side effects of pyridostigmine (Mestinon, Mestinon Timespan)?
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:
- extreme muscle weakness;
- severe vomiting or diarrhea;
- vision problems; or
- muscle cramps or twitching.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- sweating or urinating more than...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Mestinon »
What are the precautions when taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
Before taking pyridostigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anticholinesterase medications (e.g., neostigmine); 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), kidney disease, slow/irregular heartbeat.
Before having...
Read All Potential Precautions of Mestinon »
Mestinon Consumer (continued)
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, shortness of breath, new or increased difficulty swallowing, slow heartbeat, dizziness, headache.
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 pyridostigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other anticholinesterase medications (e.g., neostigmine); 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), kidney disease, slow/irregular heartbeat.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
The liquid form of this product contains sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Mestinon Patient Information Including Side Effects
Brand Names: Mestinon, Mestinon Timespan
Generic Name: pyridostigmine (Pronunciation: py rid o STIG meen)
- What is pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- What are the possible side effects of pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- What is the most important information I should know about pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- How should I take pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- What happens if I miss a dose (Mestinon)?
- What happens if I overdose (Mestinon)?
- What should I avoid while taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- What other drugs will affect pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
- Where can I get more information?
What is pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
Pyridostigmine affects chemicals in the body that are involved in the communciation between nerve impulses and muscle movement.
Pyridostigmine is used to treat the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. It is also used in military personnel who have been exposed to nerve gas.
Pyridostigmine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
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:
- extreme muscle weakness;
- severe vomiting or diarrhea;
- vision problems; or
- muscle cramps or twitching.
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;
- mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
- mild itching or skin rash; or
- muscle or 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 pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
Do not use pyridostigmine if you have a serious stomach condition called peritonitis, or if you have a bladder or bowel obstruction.
Before using pyridostigmine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or kidney disease.
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 pyridostigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
- Mestinon
Related Drugs Index:
Pyridostigmine, Mestinon, Buy Mestinon