Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? No
- Drug class: Cholinergic, antimyasthenic
Uses
- Diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis.
- Treatment of urinary retention and abdominal distention.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Extended-release capsules and tablets--Swallow each dose whole
with liquid; do not crush.
When to take:
As directed, usually 3 or 4 times a day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than
2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Inhibits the chemical activity of an enzyme (cholinesterase)
so nerve impulses can cross the junction of nerves and muscles.
Time lapse before drug works:
3 hours.
Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Muscle weakness or paralysis, cramps, twitching or clumsiness;
severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or pain;
breathing difficulty; confusion, irritability, nervousness,
restlessness, fear; unusually slow heartbeat; seizures, blurred
vision, extreme fatigue.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- See EMERGENCY Information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
In case of overdose, see Overdose section.
Common:
- Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or pain.
- Excess saliva, unusual sweating.
Infrequent:
- Confusion, irritability.
- Constricted pupils, watery eyes, lung congestion, urgent
or frequent urination.
Rare:
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to any cholinergic or bromide.
- You take mecamylamine.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
- If you have bronchial asthma.
- If you have heartbeat irregularities.
- If you have urinary obstruction or urinary-tract infection.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Decide with
you doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.
When given intravenously, may increase contractions of the
womb close to time of delivery.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but consult doctor.
Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision.
Prolonged use:
Medication may lose effectiveness. Discontinuing for a few
days may restore effect.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't
climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if
you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and
reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives,
pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without doctor's advice until you complete
prescribed dose, even though symptoms diminish or disappear.
Others:
No problems expected.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
