Pyridostigmine_bromide
Pyridostigmine
Medication used to treat myasthenia gravis and chronic Orthostatic Hypotension
Pyridostigmine is a medication used to treat myasthenia gravis[1] and underactive bladder.[2] It is also used together with atropine to end the effects of neuromuscular blocking medication of the non-depolarizing type.[3] It is typically given by mouth but can also be used by injection.[3] The effects generally begin within 45 minutes and last up to 6 hours.[3]
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, and abdominal pain.[3] More severe side effects include low blood pressure, weakness, and allergic reactions.[3] It is unclear if use in pregnancy is safe for the fetus.[3] Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in the cholinergic family of medications.[3] It works by blocking the action of acetylcholinesterase and therefore increases the levels of acetylcholine.[3]
Pyridostigmine was patented in 1945 and came into medical use in 1955.[4] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[5] Pyridostigmine is available as a generic medication.[3][6]