Pyridostigmine, Oral/Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: cholinergic agonist; antimyasthenic

Generic and brand names: pyridostigmine, injection; pyridostigmine, oral; Mestinon; Mestinon; Mestinon Time-span; Regonol

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat myasthenia gravis, a disease that causes muscle weakness. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

This medicine may also be given by injection (shots). Your health care provider may give the injections to diagnose your condition or to evaluate the treatment and then change to the oral form of this medicine.

How do I use it?

When taking this medicine by mouth, be sure to take it exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more of it or take it longer than directed. Taking the medicine with meals may help to reduce side effects. Do not crush or chew the sustained-release tablets.

If you are taking this medicine by mouth, your health care provider may want you to keep a record of each dose you take and how it affects you. This information helps your health care provider adjust your dosage to get the best results. Follow your health care provider's instructions.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, increased salivation, trouble breathing, rash, hives, severe abdominal pain, weakness, nervousness.

Other: Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, increased sweating, headache, flushing.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin (Mycifradin), paromomycin (Humatin), gentamicin (Garamycin), and kanamycin (Kantrex)
• belladonna and atropine
• cortisonelike medicines such as prednisone (Meticorten)
• magnesium (an ingredient in many antacids)
• muscle stimulants
• muscle relaxants and anesthetics used during surgery.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.