Neostigmine
About
Neostigmine belongs to a group of medicines called 'anticholinesterase agents/acetylcholinesterase inhibitors,' primarily used to treat myasthenia gravis. Neostigmine is also used when the normal movements of the intestine are absent and to treat post-operative urinary retention.
Neostigmine contains 'Neostigmine.' It increases levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine by stopping the excess cholinesterase activity (an enzyme required to break down acetylcholine) involved in communication between nerve impulses and muscle movements. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit the message from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland cell. Thus Neostigmine helps in proper muscle functioning and prevents muscle weakness.
Take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, you may experience common side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, increased saliva production, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, and dry mouth. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor before using Neostigmine if you have a history of liver, heart or kidney diseases, asthma, stomach ulcer, fits, Parkinson’s disease, overactive thyroid, and irritability of the vagus nerve (connects to the abdomen from the brain) that causes excess bowel contractions. Before starting this medicine, you must let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or a breastfeeding mother. Avoid consuming alcohol during the course to prevent unwanted side effects. Neostigmine can be given to children if prescribed by the doctor; the dose depends on the child’s age and weight.
Uses of Neostigmine
Medicinal Benefits
Neostigmine belongs to the group of medicines called 'anticholinesterase agents/cholinesterase inhibitors and is used to treat myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness). Neostigmine contains 'Neostigmine'. It works by stopping the excessive activity of cholinesterase, helping the muscles work correctly. Additionally, Neostigmine is used to treat urinary retention and reverses the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents (tubocurarine, metocurine, gallamine or pancuronium) after surgery. Neostigmine affects the body's chemicals, which are involved in communication between nerve impulses and muscle movements. Thereby, Neostigmine treats associated muscle disorders by improving muscle strength.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Neostigmine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramp
- Diarrhoea
- Increased saliva production
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Brief your medical history if you have any liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases (coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat), asthma, stomach ulcer, fits, urination problems, Parkinson's disease, overactive thyroid, and irritability of vagus nerve (connects to the abdomen from the brain) that causes excess bowel contractions before starting Neostigmine. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or are a breastfeeding mother. Avoid consuming alcohol with Neostigmine to get the maximum benefits of the medicine and prevent the aggravation of the disease. Drive or operate machinery only when you are alert and focused during the course.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Neostigmine may interact with anaesthetics (halothane, cyclopropane), muscle relaxants (succinylcholine, suxamethonium), antibiotics (neomycin, streptomycin), muscle weakness treating drugs (amifampridine), antidepressants (bupropion), and dementia treating drugs (donepezil).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid or limit alcohol intake to prevent disease worsening and unwanted side effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Let your doctor know if you have asthma, bradycardia (slow heart rate), bronchospasm, fits, hyperthyroidism, stomach ulcer, coronary artery disease, urination problems, Parkinson's disease, or irritability of vagus nerve before starting Neostigmine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Neostigmine to prevent any undesirable side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is limited information on how Neostigmine affects pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Neostigmine is excreted into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Neostigmine if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionNeostigmine can make you feel dizzy and affect your ability to drive. It is advised not to drive or operate machinery while on treatment with Neostigmine if you are not mentally alert and focused.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Neostigmine if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Neostigmine if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
safe if prescribedNeostigmine is recommended in children below 12 years of age only when prescribed by the doctor. The dosage depends on the child’s age and weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Include fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain antioxidants.
- Eat warm meals rather than hot meals, as heat aggravates the disease.
- Try sipping a cold drink while having hot or warm meals.
- Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing, like tough meats.
- Exercise regularly to keep your muscles strong
- Limit foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
Neostigmine might interfere with the effects of skeletal muscle relaxants used in the surgery.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Myasthenia gravis: It is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes skeletal muscle weakness. The immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, damaging the neuromuscular membrane. This reduces the effect of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in the communication between nerve cells and muscles. Myasthenia gravis occurs when the communication between nerve cells and muscles becomes impaired. This prevents muscle contractions, thereby leading to muscle weakness. The most affected muscles are those of the face and eyes. Symptoms of myasthenia gravis include double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty chewing or swallowing, weakness, problems with lifting objects, and trouble talking and walking.
FAQs
Neostigmine works by stopping the excessive cholinesterase activity (an enzyme necessary for the breakdown of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine) involved in communication between nerve impulses and muscle movements. Thereby, Neostigmine helps in proper muscle functioning and prevents muscle weakness.
Neostigmine should be used with caution in the medical history of liver or kidney diseases, heart diseases (coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, stomach ulcer, fits, urination problems, Parkinson's disease, overactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and irritability of vagus nerve (connects to the abdomen from the brain) that causes excess bowel contractions. Please let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems before starting.
Do not stop taking Neostigmine on your own. Please continue taking Neostigmine for the prescribed period to treat your condition effectually. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Neostigmine.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Keep Neostigmine in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Dispose of unused medicine and keep it out of sight and reach from children and pets.
