Introduction
Pyrostig is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (a disease causing muscle weakness and tiredness), paralytic ileus (paralysis of intestinal muscles), post-operative urinary retention and reversal of effect of skeletal muscle relaxants after surgery.
Pyrostig works by reducing and improving muscle weakness. It should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at the same time each day. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment. You should never stop this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Some common side effects of using this medication are nausea, excessive salivation, diarrhea, blurred vision, shortness of breath, watery eyes, abdominal pain and altered frequency of urination. Some other side effects that may be seen with it include sweating, headache, runny nose, and heartburn. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness. So, avoid doing any such work that requires focus and attention, such as driving or operating any machinery.
Before taking Pyrostig, it is better to inform your doctor if you are suffering from any kidney problems, Parkinson's disease, asthma, or stomach disorders. Your blood pressure may decrease after taking this medicine, so it is better to monitor it and consult your doctor if it bothers you. This medicine may cause diarrhea, so drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding, before taking this medicine.
Uses of Pyrostig
- Myasthenia gravis
- Paralytic ileus
- Post-operative urinary retention
- Reversal of effect of skeletal muscle relaxant after surgery
Side effects of Pyrostig
Common
- Nausea
- Excessive salivation
- Diarrhea
- Blurred vision
- Breathlessness
- Watery eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Altered frequency of urination
- Sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Runny nose
- Heartburn
- Gastro-esophageal reflux disease
- Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
- Muscle twitching
- Weakness
- Muscle cramp
How to use Pyrostig
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Pyrostig is to be taken empty stomach.
How Pyrostig works
Pyrostig increases the levels of acetylcholine (chemical messenger) which allows free transmission of signals across the nerves and muscles.
What if you forget to take Pyrostig?
If you miss a dose of Pyrostig, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Reversal of neuromuscular blockade, Myasthenia gravis, Paralytic ileus, post-operative urinary retention
Administration
Should be taken with food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Myasthenia gravis
Adult: 30-120 mg in divided doses, up to a total daily dose of 0.3-1.2 g.
Paralytic ileus and postoperative urinary retention
Adult: 60-240 mg daily.
Child Dose
Oral
Myasthenia gravis
Child: <6 yr Initially, 30 mg; 6-12 yr Initially, 60 mg. Doses are repeated throughout the day up to a usual total daily dose of 30-360 mg, w/ increments of 15-30 mg daily until a satisfactory response is obtained.
Paralytic ileus and postoperative urinary retention
Child: 15-60 mg daily.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Lower initial dose may be needed, titrate to desired effect.
Contraindication
Mechanical GI or urinary obstruction.
Mode of Action
Pyridostigmine bromide facilitates impulse transmission across the myoneural junction by inhibiting the destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase. It also has direct cholinomimetic effect on skeletal muscles.
Precaution
Patient w/ bronchial asthma, COPD, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, vagotonia, peptic ulcer, epilepsy or parkinsonism, hyperthyroidism. Renal impairment. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor cholinergic reaction particularly in IV admin.
Side Effect
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased peristalsis and bronchial secretions, miosis, excessive salivation and sweating, abdominal cramps, bradycardia, bronchospasm, skin rash, muscle spasm, fasciculation, muscle weakness.
Potentially Fatal: Resp paralysis, cardiac arrest, pulmonary oedema.
Interaction
May exacerbate night vision problems w/ anti-glaucoma drugs. Antagonises the effect of non-depolarising muscle relaxants (e.g. pancuronium, vecuronium). Prolongs the effect of depolarising muscle relaxants (e.g. suxamethonium).