physostigmine

(-mĭn)
n.
A crystalline alkaloid, C₁₅H₂₁N₃O₂, extracted from the Calabar bean, used in medicine as a miotic and cholinergic agent and to enhance memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Also called eserine.

[New Latin Phȳsostigma, genus name of the Calabar bean (Greek phūsa, bellows + STIGMA) + -INE².]

Variant: physostigmine

An alkaloid, derived from the calabar bean plant, that inhibits cholinesterase by covalently binding with it (see inhibition). Eserine is used to treat the eye condition glaucoma.

Eserine

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n

A cholinergic actylcholinesterase inhibitor prescribed in the treatment of some forms of glaucoma and to reverse effects of neuromuscular blocking agents.

Brand names: Antilirium®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Physostigmine eye ointment or solution (below)
• Physostigmine Salicylate Solution for injection

Español:
• Pomada o solución ocular de fisostigmina
• Salicilato de fisostigmina, Solución para inyección

Physostigmine eye ointment or solution

What is physostigmine eye ointment or solution?

PHYSOSTIGMINE (Isopto® Eserine) constricts the pupil of the eye (decreases the size of the dark center of the eye). Physostigmine reduces the pressure within the eye and is useful in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Generic physostigmine eye ointment, but not eye solution, is available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma
• difficulty passing urine
• closed-angle glaucoma
• diabetes
• heart disease
• low blood pressure
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach obstruction
• an unusual or allergic reaction to physostigmine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Physostigmine eye ointment or solution is only for use in the eye; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. With your middle finger, apply pressure to the inside corner of your eye. Tilt your head back and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Drop the solution or squeeze the ointment into the pouch. Do not blink for 30 seconds. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the medicine is completely absorbed, keeping pressure on the inside corner of your eye. Do not touch your eye or surrounding tissue with the eye dropper or ointment tube.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with physostigmine?

• atropine
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about any other eye products that you are using. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking physostigmine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular eye pressure checks.

You may find it is difficult to see for a short time after using physostigmine, especially at night. Do not drive, or use machinery if physostigmine affects your sight.

What side effects may I notice from using physostigmine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• increased saliva
• increased sweating
• nausea, vomiting
• seizures (convulsions)
• slow heartbeat
• stomach pain
• muscle weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• blurred vision, or other eye problems
• burning, stinging, redness or itching of the eye or eyelids

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

An alkaloid usually obtained from the dried ripe seed of Physostigma venenosum; used as a topical miotic in the form of the base and of the salicylate and sulfate salts.

• p. challenge test — a test for the diagnosis of cataplexy; after increasing doses of physostigmine, affected dogs show a dose-related severity of reactions when offered food.

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