Clinical data | |
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Trade names | Mestinon, others |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
MedlinePlus | a682229 |
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Routes of administration | By mouth, intravenous |
Drug class | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; Parasympathomimetic |
ATC code | |
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Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | 7.6 ± 2.4% |
Elimination half-life | 1.78 ± 0.24 hours |
Excretion | kidney |
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CAS Number | |
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ChEMBL | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C9H13N2O2 |
Molar mass | 181.215 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) | |
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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 also used off-label to treat some forms of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. 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 4 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]