Health Centres - Neostigmine
How does it work?
Neostigmine belongs to the group of medicines called anticholinesterases. It works by prolonging the action acetylcholine, which is found naturally in the body. It does this by inhibiting the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholine stimulates a type of receptor called muscarinic receptors. When stimulated, these receptors have a range of effects.
What is it used for?
-
Abnormal muscle weakness
- Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)
- Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)
Use with caution in
-
Asthma
- Decreased kidney function
-
Epilepsy
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
-
Parkinson's disease
-
People who have recently had a heart attack
-
Peptic ulcer
- Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)
Not to be used in
- Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient
- Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased salivation
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
Neostigmine bromide should not be used with muscle relaxants such as suxamethonium as this may result in breathing difficulties.
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