Pyridostigmine

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Pyridostigmine can be taken orally (tablets or syrup).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medication is typically prescribed for adults. It can also be used in children, but the doctor will decide the appropriate dosage after considering the child's weight and medical condition.

Contraindications

• Pyridostigmine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to it or any of its components.

• It should also not be used in patients with mechanical obstruction of the intestinal or urinary tract.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Pyridostigmine can interact with anticholinergics (such as atropine and glycopyrrolate), corticosteroids (like prednisone), and muscle relaxants (particularly depolarising agents like succinylcholine).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdosing on Pyridostigmine can result in severe muscle weakness and paralysis, respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, increased salivation, lacrimation, and gastrointestinal distress. Immediate medical attention should be sought if an overdose is suspected.

• In case of a forgotten dose, take the missed dose once you remember. However, if the next scheduled dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and take the next one at its scheduled time.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of water may help manage side effects like dry mouth or constipation.

• Taking the medication with food may reduce the chance of experiencing stomach upset.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Pyridostigmine may cause dizziness or blurred vision. If you experience these side effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are sure about how the medication affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Pyridostigmine falls under Pregnancy Category C, indicating that its safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it should only be used if the doctor deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

• As Pyridostigmine is excreted in breast milk, breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using this medicine.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution should be exercised when using Pyridostigmine in patients with asthma, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular disorders, kidney disease, seizure disorders, peptic ulcer disease, and hyperthyroidism.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regular rest and adequate hydration are important to manage the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

• Avoid exposure to infection, as infections can exacerbate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

• Regular monitoring by a doctor is recommended for those with myasthenia gravis, as this condition can worsen over time without proper management.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions