What is Mestinon
PyridostigmineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMyasthenia gravis is a condition that causes the muscles to weaken and tire easily. Pyridostigmine is a medication used to treat myasthenia gravis. It works by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical in the body that helps muscles move. Pyridostigmine was first approved by the FDA in 1955 and is available in tablets, syrups, and injections. It is also used to reverse nerve blocks, ease symptoms of congenital myasthenic syndromes, and protect against certain nerve agents.
Mestinonis the brand name
Mestinon Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Mestinon
Pyridostigmine
1955
38
Effectiveness
How Mestinon Affects PatientsPyridostigmine bromide is taken orally and works by blocking an enzyme (cholinesterase) that breaks down certain chemicals in the body. It is similar to another drug (neostigmine) but has fewer side effects and lasts longer. If too much of the drug is taken, it can cause a cholinergic crisis, which shows symptoms similar to a myasthenic crisis. In this case, atropine is usually given to counteract the side effects.
How Mestinon works in the bodyMyasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition that affects the way nerve signals reach muscles. It is caused by antibodies that bind to molecules involved in these signals, like the acetylcholine receptor. This reduces the ability of the nerve to communicate with the muscles, causing weakness and fatigue. Pyridostigmine is a drug used to treat myasthenia gravis. It works by blocking an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the molecules involved in nerve-muscle communication. This increases the amount of the molecules available, resulting in improved nerve-muscle communication and improved
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested quantity of Mestinon is contingent upon the diagnosed circumstance, including non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents, Neuromuscular Blockade and Gas Poisoning. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the method of delivery (e.g. Oral or Solution - Oral) detailed in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Neuromuscular Blockade
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
Post-Poliomyelitis Syndrome
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
Gas Poisoning
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
orthostatic syncope
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
Constipation
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
Myasthenia Gravis
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
Gas Poisoning
, 60.0 mg, 60.0 mg/mL, 180.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg
Oral, Solution - Oral, Injection, solution, Solution, Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, , Tablet, extended release - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Tablet, extended release, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous
Warnings
Mestinon has three contraindications and must not be combined with the conditions listed in the ensuing table.Mestinon ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Mechanical Intestinal Obstruction
Do Not Combine
mechanical urinary obstructions
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Pyridostigmine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Mestinon Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acetylcholine
Minor
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Pyridostigmine is combined with Acetylcholine.
Agmatine
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Agmatine can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Alcuronium
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Alcuronium can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Amantadine
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Amantadine can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Amitriptyline
Minor
The therapeutic efficacy of Amitriptyline can be decreased when used in combination with Pyridostigmine.
Mestinon Toxicity & Overdose RiskNot much is known about the toxic effects of pyridostigmine. Overdosing may lead to a range of adverse effects, including slow heartbeat, excessive mucus in the lungs, and a cholinergic crisis. To treat an overdose, doctors may suggest supportive treatments.
Mestinon Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mestinon?
59 active clinical trials are currently assessing the potential of Mestinon to alleviate Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital Disorders, Chronic Constipation and Gas Poisoning.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Constipation
32 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 4, Not Applicable
Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital
0 Actively Recruiting
Gas Poisoning
0 Actively Recruiting
Neuromuscular Blockade
7 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents
0 Actively Recruiting
orthostatic syncope
0 Actively Recruiting
Myasthenia Gravis
24 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Post-Poliomyelitis Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Gas Poisoning
0 Actively Recruiting
Mestinon Reviews: What are patients saying about Mestinon?
5Patient Review
7/24/2015 The only problem I have is that mestinon has given me an irregular heart rhythm, which I read is a side effect.
5Patient Review
1/9/2017 I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2002. I started taking this medication in liquid form, but as I've gotten older I only need to take it three times a day. It's been effective overall, though I have experienced some leg cramps and muscle spasms as side effects. Another downside is that it doesn't seem to help much with drooping eyelids.
5Patient Review
9/28/2015 I've been taking this medication for almost 30 years now. When I first started, the muscle spasms were really bad. But after a few months, my body got used to it and the fatigue eased up. I take 60mg in the morning with food, 2-3 PM and before I go to bed.
5Patient Review
3/24/2017 I've been taking this for almost a decade now, and it's still helping me. Within hours of taking the first dose, I saw marked improvement. Recently had to switch to liquid form due to insurance issues, which I'm not thrilled about; however, it's still better than nothing.
4.7Patient Review
6/1/2018 I had been dealing with undiagnosed myasthenia gravis for five months before finally being admitted to the hospital. The team of neurologists there quickly diagnosed and treated me; and within hours, all of my symptoms and problems were gone. This drug quite literally worked miracles for me.
4Patient Review
8/31/20134Patient Review
9/22/20133.7Patient Review
5/5/2017 I started using Mestinon by Zydus today, but had to up the dosage because I didn't feel as though it was working effectively. Previously, I used Mestinon by Impax with no issues.
3Patient Review
7/23/2014 I've been experiencing some pretty severe muscle cramping and stomach pains, as well as diarrhea. I'm only a week in so I'm hoping the side effects will lessen with time. They're definitely scary though; I've had issues with double vision, swallowing, and choking on my saliva. So far the medication hasn't really helped with those symptoms much.
2.3Patient Review
2/7/2017 I've been taking this medication for over 17 years now. Unfortunately, it's caused some serious dental problems and I don't know where to turn next.
2Patient Review
10/1/2014 I unfortunately have had some bad luck with this medication. I now experience neck pain quite severely and often.
1Patient Review
7/3/2014 The recommended dosage is every five hours, so I started at 5pm. By 6:30, I had awful stomach cramps and diarrhea. The second dose was at 10pm; I woke up several times throughout the night with more diarrhea and cramps. At 7am, I took the third dose, but by 8:30 my tongue was swollen and I could barely speak - turns out that this was an allergic reaction to the medication! So not only did this treatment NOT work, it made things worse than the disease itself.
Patient Q&A Section about mestinon
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of the medication Mestinon?
"You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased saliva/sweating, runny nose, decreased pupil size, or increased urination. If you experience any of these effects for an extended period of time, or if they worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist."
Answered by AI
What are the benefits of Mestinon?
"Acetylcholine is needed for the proper functioning of your nerve cells and muscles.
MESTINON is a treatment for myasthenia gravis, which is a condition that results in muscle weakness and fatigue, especially with repeated use. MESTINON is a cholinergic antimyasthenic, which is a group of medicines that work by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is necessary for the proper functioning of your nerve cells and muscles."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Mestinon used for?
"MESTINON is a medication used to treat myasthenia gravis, a long term condition that causes weakened and easily tired muscles, especially after repeated use. It is also used to treat postoperative urinary retention, a condition where an individual is unable to urinate after surgery."
Answered by AI