How does it work?

Distigmine bromide belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinesterases. It works by preventing the breakdown of a substance called acetylcholine, which is found naturally in the body. Acetylcholine stimulates a type of receptor called a muscarinic receptor. These are found throughout the body and when stimulated, have a range of different effects, depending on their site in the body. Stimulation of the muscarinic receptors in muscle leads to contraction of the muscle. Preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine means that there is more available to stimulate receptors. Distigmine therefore improves contraction of the muscle. Distigmine is used to treat myaesthenia gravis, where the number of muscarinic receptors is reduced. This leads to muscle weakness. Distigmine increases the amount of acetylcholine that is available to stimulate the remaining receptors, therefore enhancing muscle contraction. Normal muscle action is preserved even though there are fewer receptors. In addition, distigmine is used in conditions where there is difficulty in emptying the bladder, such as following surgery. In these cases, distigmine increases the amount of acetylcholine acting on the receptors in the muscle of the bladder wall. This stimulates contraction of the bladder and relieves urine retention. It is also used in conditions where the muscle in the intestine wall has become paralysed (paralytic ileus), such as following surgery. This prevents the normal passage of food through the gut. Distigmine works by increasing the amount of acetylcholine acting on receptors in the muscle of the gut wall, which stimulates normal contraction of the gut.

What is it used for?

A loss in the ability of the gut to contract (ileus or intestinal atony) following surgery

Abnormal muscle weakness

Assisting bladder emptying where this is a problem due to disorders of the bladder nerve supply (neurogenic bladder)

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention) following surgery

Warning!

Take 30 minutes before breakfast

Use with caution in

Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Decreased heart function

Epilepsy

Inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis)

Parkinson's disease

Peptic ulcer

Not to be used in

Asthma

Inadequate blood circulation (shock) following surgery

Insufficient blood circulation around the body

Obstruction of the intestine due to spasm of the muscle wall (spastic ileus)

Obstruction of urine flow due to problems with the normal functioning of the bladder or urethra

Severe constipation

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. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication half to one hour before food.

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