Pyridostigmine Pharmacology

Pyridostigmine

About Pyridostigmine
A reversible Anticholinesterase, Muscle stimulant, antimyasthenic.
Mechanism of Action of Pyridostigmine
This inhibits the destruction of acetylcholine by cholinesterase hydrolysis and thereby more acetylcholine accumulates at the neuromuscular junction. This permits free transmission of nerve impulses across the neuromuscular junction which results stronger muscle contractions.
General anaesthesia: This is used to antagonize the action of Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. Once muscle paralysis is no longer desired, acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors are combined with a muscarinic receptor antagonist such as Glycopyrrolate or Atropine to offset the muscarinic activation resulting from esterase inhibition.
Pharmacokinets of Pyridostigmine
Absorption- Poorly absorbed after oral administration. Rapidly absorbed after intravenous administration.
Distribution- In large doses it crosses the placenta.
Excretion- It is excreted through urine.
Onset of Action for Pyridostigmine
Oral- 20 to 30 minutes
Intramuscular- <15 minutes
Duration of Action for Pyridostigmine
3 to 6 hrs
Half Life of Pyridostigmine
N/A
Side Effects of Pyridostigmine
1. Gastrointestinal upset
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Abdominal cramps
5. Diarrhea
6. Increased salivation
7. Drooling
8. Tearing
9. Increased bronchial secretions
10. Increased sweating
11. Muscle cramps
12. Muscle fasciculations (twitching)
13. Muscle weakness
14. Headache


Contra-indications of Pyridostigmine
1. Hypersensitivity to the drug or any other ingredients of it
2. Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)
3. Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)



Special Precautions while taking Pyridostigmine
1. Asthma
2. Decreased kidney function
3. Epilepsy
4. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
5. Parkinson`s disease
6. Recently had a heart attack
7. Peptic ulcer
8. Bradycardia
Pregnancy Related Information
Contraindicated
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution

Children Related Information
Use with caution
Indications for Pyridostigmine
1. Myasthenia gravis.
2. Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)
3. Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)
4. Anaesthetic adjuncts


Interactions for Pyridostigmine
NULL
Typical Dosage for Pyridostigmine
Oral
Adults- 30-120mg at suitable intervals throughout the day.
Children- 7mg/24 hours orally divided into 5 or 6 doses.
Intramuscular-
To supplement oral dosage preoperatively and postoperatively, during labour and postpartum or during myasthenic crisis
Children- Give approximately 1/30th of the oral dose
Schedule of Pyridostigmine
N/A
Storage Requirements for Pyridostigmine
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Pyridostigmine
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Pyridostigmine
Give symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Home Delivery for Pyridostigmine in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including pyridostigmine.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for pyridostigmine and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for pyridostigmine may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take pyridostigmine only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for pyridostigmine before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for pyridostigmine with the pharmacy.

Pyridostigmine is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for pyridostigmine might be better known than pyridostigmine itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have pyridostigmine in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for pyridostigmine.