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Pyridostigmine

  • Pyridostigmine is commonly used in myasthenia gravis
  • Pyridostigmine takes 30-60 minutes to have effect
  • If you have to take steroids, your dose of pyridostigmine may be reduced

About pyridostigmine

Type of medicine Anticholinesterase
Used for Myasthenia Gravis, a muscle-weakening disease
Paralysis of the intestine
Difficulty passing water after an operation
Also called Mestinon
Available as Tablets

Pyridostigmine works by prolonging the action of acetylcholine, which is found naturally in the body. Acetylcholine stimulates a type of receptor called muscarinic receptors; when stimulated, these receptors have a range of effects.

Before taking pyridostigmine

Before taking pyridostigmine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
  • If you have a blockage in your gut or urinary tract (waterworks)
  • If you suffer from asthma
  • If you suffer from epilepsy or Parkinson's disease
  • If you suffer from heart trouble, including low blood pressure and slow heart rate
  • If you have a stomach ulcer
  • If you have kidney problems

How to take pyridostigmine

  • If being treated for myasthenia gravis, you will probably take doses at several intervals throughout the day, when maximum strength is needed (for example, on rising and before mealtimes)

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your appointments with your doctor so that your response to treatment can be checked
  • If you are prescribed steroids ask your doctor if you need to alter your dose of pyridostigmine

Can pyridostigmine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Drink plenty of liquid
Increased salivation, abdominal cramps Talk to your doctor

How to store pyridostigmine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1191		 DocRef:
dils3293		 Last Updated:
16 Aug 2007		 Date of Next Review:
15 Aug 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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