Dosage ; Myasthenia gravis:30-120mg in divided doses (up to 0.3-1.2g).
Neonates, 5-10mg 4 hourly.
Under 6 years: Initially 30mg 4 hourly.
6-12 years, initially 60mg. Increase by 15-30mg daily until control.
Usual total dose: 30-360mg
Pyridostigmine
| Pyridostigmine More info | |
|---|---|
| Mode Of Action | Anti-cholinesterases: inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylcholine by competing with it for attachment to acetylcholinesterase at sites of cholinergic transmission |
| Drug Indication | Myasthenia gravis, paroxysmal tachycardia, migraine and intestinal and post-operative atony, termination of effects of neuromuscular blocking agent |
| Precautions | Bronchial asthma, cardiac rhythm disturbances, hypotension, epilepsy, peptic ulcers, Parkinsonism, elderly, impaired renal function. Aminoglycosides use as they accentuate neuromuscular blockage. |
| Contra-Indications | Pregnancy and lactation, concomitant use with depolarizing muscle relaxants, during halothane/cyclopropane anaesthesia, diabetes, gangrene. |
| Side Effects | GI disturbances, muscle cramps, increased salivation, headache, miosis, increased bronchial secretions, sweating, involuntary defaecation and micturition, nystagmus, hypotension, bradycardia. |
| Dosage | Myasthenia gravis:30-120mg in divided doses (up to 0.3-1.2g). Neonates, 5-10mg 4 hourly. Under 6 years: Initially 30mg 4 hourly. 6-12 years, initially 60mg. Increase by 15-30mg daily until control. Usual total dose: 30-360mg. |
| Pregnancy Category | Category C |
| Pregnancy Category Description | Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, or may be suspected of causing detrimental effects on human foetus or neonates without causing malfunctions. These effects may be reversible |
| Drug Category | DRUGS ACTING ON CNS |
| Drug Sub-Category | Anticholinesterases |