Mestinon (Pyridostigmine Bromide) Description
Pyridostigmine is used to improve muscle strength in patients with a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). It works by preventing the breakdown of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) in your body. Acetylcholine is needed for normal muscle function. Mestinon or any insulin products (vials, pens, cartridges) are not steroids.
Ensure you let your doctor know of any medications you are currently on, including insulin. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you a particular insulin that is compatible with Mestinon (ie, insulin isophane)
Mestinon is an antagonist to cholinesterase, the enzyme which normally destroys acetylcholine. The action of Mestinon can briefly be described, therefore, as the potentiation of naturally occurring acetylcholine. Mestinon has a more prolonged action than Prostigmin (neostigmine) although it is somewhat slower to take effect (generally taking 30 – 60 minutes). Because it has a weaker “muscarinic” action than Prostigmin, it is usually much better tolerated by myasthenic patients in whom the longer action is also an advantage.
Warnings and Precautions
Do not take this medication if you have an allergy to Pyridostigmine or any ingredients in this Mestinon.
Speak to your doctor about any of your past or existing medical conditions, especially if you have: asthma or COPD, intestinal/stomach blockage, kidney or lung disease, urinary blockage, slow/irregular heartbeat or diabetes.
Notify your doctor of any other medications, supplements, herbal medicines, or vitamins you are currently taking. This includes weight loss medications, such as Ozempic.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use this medication if you have bladder or bowel obstruction.
Since this medication can cause blurred vision, do not drive or operate any heavy machinery after taking it. Please do not drink alcohol after taking Mestinon as it can increase specific side effects of Pyridostigmine.
This medication is not approved to be taken by anyone under the age of 18.
Side Effects
The most common side effects with Mestinon include blurred vision, cough, diarrhea, nausea, sweating, abdominal pain, rash, muscle cramps, and vomiting.
Severe side effects with the medication include: loss of movement in any part of your body, slurred speech, vision problems, extreme muscle weakness, weak or shallow breathing and worsening or no improvement of myasthenia graves. If you suffer from any serious side effects please get in touch with your pharmacist, doctor or visit a health facility immediately.
Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.
