Drug Name

Mestinon (Pyridostigmine)

Drug Uses

Mestinon is used for treating myasthenia gravis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Mestinon as directed by your doctor.

• Mestinon may be taken with or without food.
• Take with food if it upsets your stomach.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Mestinon is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by improving nerve impulses in muscles so that the muscles are better able to work.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Mestinon and you still have a headache, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a dose of Mestinon within 30 minutes of your last dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Mestinon at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Mestinon out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Mestinon if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Mestinon;
• you are taking quinine or quinidine;
• you have a stomach, intestinal, or urinary blockage .

• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Mestinon.
• Use Mestinon with extreme caution in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• If you become pregnant while taking Mestinon, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Mestinon during pregnancy. Mestinon is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Mestinon, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blue color of the fingers or toes; chest pain or tightness; cold or pale fingers or toes; diarrhea; dizziness; hallucinations; headache; irregular heartbeat; leg cramps or weakness; mental or mood changes; muscle pain; numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, or skin; ringing in the ears; seizure; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; swelling; temporary fast or slow heartbeat; vomiting; weak pulse.

More Information

Mestinon is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.