Brand Names: Mestinon, Mestinon Timespan

Generic Name: pyridostigmine (Pronunciation: py rid o STIG meen)

• What is pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
• What are the possible side effects of pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
• How should I take pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Mestinon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Mestinon)?
• What should I avoid while taking pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
• What other drugs will affect pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?

Pyridostigmine affects chemicals in the body that are involved in the communciation between nerve impulses and muscle movement.

Pyridostigmine is used to treat the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. It is also used in military personnel who have been exposed to nerve gas.

Pyridostigmine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Pyridostigmine 60 mg-BAR

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What are the possible side effects of pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• extreme muscle weakness;
• severe vomiting or diarrhea;
• vision problems; or
• muscle cramps or twitching.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• sweating or urinating more than usual;
• drooling, watery eyes;
• warmth or tingly feeling;
• mild nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;
• mild itching or skin rash; or
• muscle or joint pain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pyridostigmine (Mestinon)?

Do not use pyridostigmine if you have a serious stomach condition called peritonitis, or if you have a bladder or bowel obstruction.

Before using pyridostigmine, tell your doctor if you have asthma or kidney disease.

The amount and timing of this medicine is extremely important to the success of your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how much medicine to take and when to take it.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. You may be asked to keep a daily record of when you took each dose and how long the effects lasted. This will help your doctor determine if your dose needs to be adjusted.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking pyridostigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.