What is Mestinon/Pyridostigmine used for?

This medicine is for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness).

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Mestinon/Pyridostigmine be stored?

Store in a dry place, in a well-closed container with the desiccant enclosed.

General drug information:

When should Mestinon/Pyridostigmine not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have stomach or urinary tract blockage you have asthma

What precautions should I follow when taking Mestinon/Pyridostigmine?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Mestinon/Pyridostigmine?

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy, bronchial asthma, bradycardia, recent coronary occlusion, vagotonia, hyperthyroidism, cardiac arrhythmias, peptic ulcer and in patients with megacolon or decreased gastrointestinal motility.

What are the side effects of Mestinon/Pyridostigmine?

Most severe: Nausea, vomiting, increased gastro-intestinal motility, muscle cramps, urticaria, rash.

Most common:  Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; stomach cramps; increased contraction of the intestines; increased salivation; increased mucus production; pupil constriction; heavy sweating; muscle cramps; muscle twitches; weakness; rash.

Other: Weakness, allergic reactions

How should I take Mestinon/Pyridostigmine?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount andperor frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. A rash may occur while using this medication. It will go away as soon as you stop using this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than is prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.