Pyridostigmine

Information about Pyridostigmine

Pyridostigmine Uses

Pyridostigmine is used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, paralytic ileus, post-operative urinary retention and reversal of effect of skeletal muscle relaxant after surgery.

How Pyridostigmine works

Pyridostigmine increases the levels of acetylcholine (chemical messenger) which allows free transmission of signals across the nerves and muscles.

Common side effects of Pyridostigmine

Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramp, Salivation, Constriction of pupil, Lacrimation (flow of tears), Increased bronchial secretions, Muscle twitch, Tremors, Pain during periods
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Swati Mishra
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Shilpa Garcha
MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
20 Feb 2020 | 01:01 PM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Pyridostigmine

GravitorSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹226 to ₹5192 variant(s)
DistinonSamarth Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
₹1221 variant(s)
MyestinVhb Life Sciences Inc
₹113 to ₹1822 variant(s)
PyodistigIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
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PyristigUnited Biotech Pvt Ltd
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PyridoShree Ganesh Pharmaceuticals
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RidominePerpetual Pharmaceuticals
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MestinonAbbott
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MygrisBharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd
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Expert advice for Pyridostigmine

  • You have been prescribed Pyridostigmine for treatment of myasthenia gravis.
  • It may also be used to treat inactivity of the muscle in the intestines (paralytic ileus) and difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention) after an operation.
  • Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.
  • Take it as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Overdosing can result in extreme muscle weakness.
  • It may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine as it may worsen the side effects.
  • Inform your doctor if you have an existing kidney problem, parkinson's disease, asthma, or stomach disorders.

Frequently asked questions for Pyridostigmine

Pyridostigmine

Q. Does Pyridostigmine cure myasthenia gravis? For how long do I need to take it?

Pyridostigmine helps reduce and improve muscle weakness and hence relieves the symptoms of myasthenia gravis but does not cure it. The length of time for which you have to take Pyridostigmine will depend on your needs. You should not stop taking Pyridostigmine until and unless advised by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.

Q. Is Pyridostigmine a steroid?

No, Pyridostigmine is not a steroid. It belongs to anticholinesterases group of medicines. Pyridostigmine works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine.

Q. What should I do if I have accidentally taken more than the required dose?

You should immediately seek help at a nearby hospital or contact your doctor urgently. An excess dose of Pyridostigmine may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, salivation, blurred vision, excessive weakness, difficulty in breathing and even paralysis.

Q. Is Pyridostigmine safe to use?

Yes, Pyridostigmine is safe if used according to the doctor’s advice. You should not exceed the dose as prescribed by the doctor.

Q. Is it safe to drive if I have taken Pyridostigmine?

Pyridostigmine may cause blurred vision, and therefore you should limit driving until you know how it affects you.

Q. Will Pyridostigmine have any effect on my baby if I am breastfeeding?

A very small quantity of Pyridostigmine passes into breast milk, which may or may not affect your baby. Ask your doctor if you can continue to breastfeed your baby.

Q. Can I take Pyridostigmine for constipation?

No, Pyridostigmine should not be taken for any type of constipation. It is used only when constipation occurs due to paralysis of the intestine and strictly on prescription by the doctor.

Q. Does Pyridostigmine have any abuse potential?

No, there is no evidence that Pyridostigmine has abuse potential.

Q. Who should not take Pyridostigmine?

Pyridostigmine should not be taken by patients who are allergic to it. It should also be avoided by patients who are constipated or cannot urinate, unless the doctor has advised to use this medicine. This is because Pyridostigmine is only used to treat certain types of constipation and inability to pass urine.

Q. Does it cause weight gain?

No, Pyridostigmine does not cause weight gain. If you experience weight gain, it may be due to inactivity related to muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis.

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