About pyridostigmine bromide
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Used for
- Treats myasthenia gravis symptoms
- Reverses effects of certain muscle-relaxing medicines after surgery
Usual adult dose
Myasthenia gravis: commonly 30–60 mg every 3–4 hours while awake; dosing is individualized.
Usual dose in children
For myasthenia gravis, dosing is individualized by weight and response under specialist care.
Common side effects
- Abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea
- Increased saliva and sweating
- Muscle twitching or cramps
- Slow heartbeat
Important warnings
- Excess can cause severe weakness, breathing problems, and a cholinergic crisis.
- Use caution with asthma, slow heartbeat, or intestinal or urinary obstruction.
- Dose may need adjustment with kidney impairment.
Pregnancy
Use only when needed; untreated myasthenia gravis also carries risks. Pregnancy management requires specialist care.
Breastfeeding
Information is limited; use requires a clinician’s assessment of benefits and risks.
Interactions
- Other medicines that slow heart rate may increase bradycardia risk.
- Anticholinergic medicines, such as atropine, can oppose its effects.
- Some antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, may worsen muscle weakness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.