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pyridostigmine - oral, Mestinon

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GENERIC NAME: PYRIDOSTIGMINE - ORAL (pir-ID-oh-STIG-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): Mestinon

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Pyridostigmine is used to improve muscle strength in patients with a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). It works by preventing the breakdown of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) in your body. Acetylcholine is needed for normal muscle function.

HOW TO USE: Take the regular-release tablet or liquid form of this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If taking the liquid, use a medication-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.Take the extended-release tablet by mouth with or without food, usually 1 to 2 times daily (at least 6 hours apart) or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.Taking this medication with food or milk may help to decrease side effects.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Talk with your doctor about how you respond to the medication and about when you feel the most tired or weak so that your doctor can make the proper dosage changes.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Doing so may increase the risk of serious side effects.The tablet forms of this medication may become discolored due to moisture. This does not affect how well the medication works.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if the medication stops working well.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased saliva/mucus, decreased pupil size, increased urination, or increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: new or increased muscle cramps/weakness/twitching, shortness of breath, new or increased difficulty swallowing, slow heartbeat, dizziness, headache.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.