MESTINON SYRUP (PYRIDOSTIGMINE BROMIDE)

Mestinon Syrup Description

Mestinon syrup belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinergic muscle stimulants. These medications increase the presence of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the contact point between nerves and muscles known as the neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that performs a number of important functions in the body. In the peripheral nervous system, acetylcholine helps with the contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles.

Cholinergic muscle stimulants such as Mestinon syrup are used to diagnose and treat myasthenia gravis, a chronic disorder that causes muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease where autoantibodies bind to cholinergic receptors in neuromuscular junction and prevents the acetylcholine from triggering muscle contractions.

Conditions Treated by Mestinon Syrup

Mestinon syrup is used to improve muscle strength in patients with myasthenia gravis, a muscle disease. It works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a natural substance in your body that is needed for normal muscle function. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular, autoimmune disorder that causes varying degrees of weakness involving the voluntary muscles of the body. Myasthenia gravis most commonly affects the muscles that control eye movements, chewing and swallowing, coughing and facial expression. The muscles that control breathing and movements of the arms and legs may also be affected.

In addition to treatment for myasthenia gravis, Mestinon syrup may also be used as a nerve gas antidote. Mestinon is a pretreatment drug used to protect against the man-made chemical warfare nerve agent soman. Soman is an extremely toxic chemical substance that interferes with normal functioning of the nervous system by inhibiting the cholinesterase enzyme. Mestinon is used as a pretreatment to enhance the antidote effects of atropine.

Before You Take Mestinon Syrup

Before taking Mestinon syrup, tell your doctor if you have asthma, kidney disease, an ulcer or other serious stomach disorder, high blood pressure, heart disease, overactive thyroid, or a history of seizures, as this may affect your ability to safely take this medication.

Warnings for Mestinon Syrup

You should not take Mestinon syrup of you have a bladder or bowel obstruction. List any OTC or Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal supplements and vitamin or dietary supplements.

Possible Side Effects of Mestinon Syrup

• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Increased urination
• Increased saliva