Mestinon

Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital, Constipation, Gas Poisoning + 6 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Mestinon

What is Mestinon

Pyridostigmine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Myasthenia 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.

Mestinon

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Mestinon Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Mestinon

Pyridostigmine

1955

38

Effectiveness

How Mestinon Affects Patients

Pyridostigmine 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 body

Myasthenia 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

Gas Poisoning

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Gas Poisoning

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Hypotension, Orthostatic

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Constipation

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Neuromuscular Blockade

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Myasthenia Gravis

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome

, 180.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 60.0 mg/mL, 30.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Intravenous; Parenteral, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intravenous; Parenteral, Liquid, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Syrup - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Warnings

Mestinon has three contraindications and must not be combined with the conditions listed in the ensuing table.

Mestinon Contraindications

Condition

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 Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Mestinon.

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 Risk

Not 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

Myasthenia Gravis

16 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1

Constipation

17 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3

Hypotension, Orthostatic

0 Actively Recruiting

Neuromuscular Blockade

3 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 4

Myasthenic Syndromes, Congenital

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 1

Gas Poisoning

0 Actively Recruiting

non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents

0 Actively Recruiting

Gas Poisoning

0 Actively Recruiting

Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome

0 Actively Recruiting

Mestinon Reviews: What are patients saying about Mestinon?

5

Patient Review

7/24/2015

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

The only problem I have is that mestinon has given me an irregular heart rhythm, which I read is a side effect.

5

Patient Review

1/9/2017

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.

5

Patient Review

9/28/2015

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.

5

Patient Review

3/24/2017

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.

4.7

Patient Review

6/1/2018

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.

4

Patient Review

8/31/2013

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

4

Patient Review

9/22/2013

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

3.7

Patient Review

5/5/2017

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.

3

Patient Review

7/23/2014

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.

2.3

Patient Review

2/7/2017

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.

2

Patient Review

10/1/2014

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

I unfortunately have had some bad luck with this medication. I now experience neck pain quite severely and often.

1

Patient Review

7/3/2014

Mestinon for Myasthenia Gravis

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.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Who should not take Mestinon?

"You shouldn't take Mestinon if you're allergic to it or if you have a bladder or bowel obstruction. Make sure it's safe for you to take Mestinon by telling your doctor if you have asthma or kidney disease."

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

Clinical Trials for Mestinon

Have you considered Mestinon clinical trials?

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Kiwifruit Extract for Constipation in Children

4 - 17
All Sexes
Hamilton, Canada

The goal of this pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial is to determine whether Actazin (kiwifruit extract) is a feasible and effective alternative to polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) for maintenance therapy in children with functional constipation (FC). This study will include children aged 4 to 17 years who meet the Rome IV criteria for functional constipation. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is it feasible to conduct a definitive, multi-centre trial comparing Actazin to PEG 3350 in children with FC? 2. What are the within-group differences in clinical outcomes such as stool frequency, abdominal pain, and laxative use over a 4-week period? Researchers will compare chewable Actazin tablets with placebo PEG 3350 powder to PEG 3350 powder with placebo Actazin tablets to see if Actazin is a viable non-pharmacologic natural health product alternative for treating FC. Participants will: Undergo an initial bowel cleanout using PEG 3350 and bisacodyl. Following, they will be randomized to one of two groups: 1. Actazin chewable tablets (titrate to effect: 600-2400 mg/day) + placebo PEG 3350 2. PEG 3350 (dose based on age and titratable to effect) + placebo Actazin chewable tablets Participants will take the assigned intervention daily for 4 weeks and complete a daily bowel diary recording stool frequency, consistency (Bristol Stool Scale), abdominal pain, and laxative use. They will have weekly follow-ups via phone or electronic survey to assess adherence, medication use, and adverse events. Additionally, a bi-weekly follow-up will be conducted for an additional 8 weeks to track longer-term outcomes. Outcomes: Primary feasibility outcomes include consent rate, adherence to allocated intervention, and 4-week follow-up completion rate. Secondary clinical outcomes include resolution of FC (Rome IV criteria), weekly stool frequency, abdominal pain episodes, use of rescue laxatives, and treatment palatability. This study is being conducted at McMaster Children's Hospital and is funded by the Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization (HAHSO). Data collection will be managed using the Lumedi™ platform, and safety will be overseen by a Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB).

Phase 2 & 3
Waitlist Available

Hamilton Health Sciences

Elyanne Ratcliffe, MD

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Pelvic Health Rehabilitation for Breast and Gynecologic Cancer

18+
Female
Edmonton, Canada

The GYVE study aims at testing an online program (eModule) to help people who have had breast or gynecologic cancer and are experiencing pelvic health issues like urinary incontinence and pain during sex. These cancers and their treatments can cause significant pelvic health problems, affecting daily life and quality of life. Physiotherapy can help, but access is often limited due to costs and other barriers. The study will involve 20 participants from Quebec and Edmonton, who will take part in a 12-week program with weekly online group sessions led by a physiotherapist. Topics include pelvic floor muscle training, use of vaginal moisturizers, hydration, diet, and pain management. Led by experts in cancer rehabilitation and pelvic health, the study aims to provide valuable information on the feasibility and effectiveness of the eModule, potentially leading to broader implementation to help more people with lived experience of cancer.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

University of Alberta (+1 Sites)

Have you considered Mestinon clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Mestinon, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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