Brand names: Mestinon®Regonol®
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Pyridostigmine tablets or extended-release tablets (below)
- Pyridostigmine oral syrup
- Pyridostigmine Bromide Solution for injection
- Pyridostigmine Bromide Oral tablet
- Pyridostigmine Bromide Oral syrup
- Pyridostigmine Bromide Oral tablet, extended-release
- Espa�ol:
- Tabletas normales o de liberación prolongada de piridostigmina
- Jarabe oral de piridostigmina
- Bromuro de piridostigmina, Solución para inyección
- Bromuro de piridostigmina, Tableta oral
- Bromuro de piridostigmina, Jarabe oral
- Bromuro de piridostigmina, Tableta oral de liberación prolongada
Pyridostigmine tablets or extended-release tablets
What are pyridostigmine tablets or extended-release tablets?
PYRIDOSTIGMINE (Mestinon®, Mestinon Timespan®) can improve muscle strength. It can help to treat myasthenia gravis, a disease that affects your muscles. Pyridostigmine tablets may also be used by the military before an anticipated threat of exposure to certain nerve gas agents. Generic pyridostigmine regular-release tablets are available. Extended-release tablets are not yet 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
• heart disease or irregular heartbeat
• kidney disease
• over active thyroid
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach obstruction or ulcers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pyridostigmine, bromides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take pyridostigmine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If pyridostigmine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. If you are taking the extended-release tablets, swallow them whole; do not crush or chew. Take your doses regularly. The interval between doses is very important. You must take your tablets day and night. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.If you are in the military and instructed to use pyridostigmine in case of threatened exposure to Soman nerve gas, be sure to get instructions on the use of the antidote atropine and pralidoxime. In this case, you will need to get an adequate supply of these drugs. Pyridostigmine tablets are only to be used prior to exposure to Soman. Pyridostigmine should not be used during or after exposure to Soman.
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with pyridostigmine?
• atropine• certain antibiotics given by injection
• disopyramide
• mecamylamine
• medicines that cause muscle relaxation
• other medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• quinine
• trimethaphan
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking pyridostigmine?
Each patient can take pyridostigmine tablets on a schedule that best suits their individual needs. These needs can increase at certain times of the day. Your prescriber or health care professional may want you to keep a record of when you take your tablets, how you feel after taking them, and if you get any side effects. This information will help your prescriber or health care professional to plan a schedule and dose best suited to your condition.Always carry an identification card describing your disease and the details of your medication regimen.
If you are in the military and are asked to use or carry pyridostigmine in the event of threatened exposure to Soman nerve gas, be sure to get adequate instructions on the use and administration of this drug.
What side effects may I notice from taking pyridostigmine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• changes in vision
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness
• difficulty moving
• headache
• increase in the need to pass urine
• increased saliva
• increased sweating
• muscle cramps or spasms
• nausea, vomiting
• skin rash
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• stomach pain
• unusual weakness or tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. 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.
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