Mestinon
Generic Name:
Pyridostigmine bromide
Brand Names:
Mestinon, Mestinon Timespan
Mestinon Description:
Mestinon is a medication known as a cholinesterase inhibitor that is used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Mestinon has been used as a myasthenia gravis therapy for over 50 years, giving patients more control over voluntary muscle movements such as swallowing, breathing, chewing, and controlling the eyelids and face.
Mestinon Side Effects:
The most common side effects reported with Mestinon treatment include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Increased bronchial secretions
- Increased saliva
- Mild itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Warmth and a tingling feeling
For more information, see our Mestinon side effects page.
Mestinon Uses:
Mestinon is prescribed to treat myasthenia gravis, a chronic neuromuscular autoimmune disorder with no known cure that is characterized by weakness of voluntary muscles in the body. The muscle weakness usually affects the ability to control eyelid movements, chewing, swallowing, coughing, and facial expressions. Some cases of myasthenia gravis affect breathing movements, as well as arm and leg movements.
The condition is thought to be caused by the breakdown of communication between nerves and muscles, and Mestinon helps to enhance communication by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical that sends nerve impulses to muscle.
Mestinon can also be used to treat military personnel who have been exposed to nerve gas.
Mestinon Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with Mestinon, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs should not be taken in combination with Mestinon, as interactions may occur:
- Antibiotics (neomycin, kanamycin, or streptomycin)
- Atropine (Atreza, Atro-Pen, Sal-Tropine)
- Belladonna
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- Clidinium (Quarzan)
- Dicyclomine (Bentyl)
- Disopyramide
- Glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
- Hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin)
- Mecamylamine
- Mepenzolate (Cantil)
- Methantheline (Provocholine)
- Methscopolamine (Pamine)
- Muscle relaxants
- Propantheline (Pro-Banthine)
- Quinine or other heart rhythm medications
- Scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
- Trimethaphan
Mestinon Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Mestinon is available as a 60 mg tablet, a 180 mg slow-release tablet, or as a syrup.
- Tablet – The tablet is generally prescribed to be taken as 10 tablets daily, with a maximum daily dose of 25 tablets. In mild cases, 1-6 tablets may be taken daily.
- Slow-release Timespan tablet – The slow-release tablet is prescribed to be taken as 1-3 tablets once or twice daily. Allow at least 6 hours between doses.
- Syrup – The syrup is prescribed as 10 teaspoonfuls (5-mL) daily, with a maximum daily dose of 25 teaspoonfuls. In mild cases, 1-6 teaspoonfuls may be taken daily.
Missing a Dose of Mestinon
If you miss a dose of Mestinon, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Mestinon Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication. Signs of overdose include extreme muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and muscle cramps.
Mestinon FDA Approval:
April 6, 1955
Mestinon Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are currently no Black Box warnings on Mestinon.
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March 5, 2010, 9:38 am
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March 4, 2010, 9:08 am
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March 2, 2010, 5:46 pm
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March 1, 2010, 1:00 pm
