ANTIMYASTHENIC DRUGS

MECHANISM OF ACTION

  • Relieve muscle weakness associated with myasthenia gravis
  • By blocking acetylcholine breakdown at the neuromuscular junction

INDICATIONS

  • Edrophonium diagnoses myasthenic gravis
  • Edrophonium also distinguishes cholinergic crisis from myasthenic crisis
  • Neostigmine and pyridostigmine control myasthenic gravis symptoms
  • Test acetylcholine receptor antibodies
  • Used to treat or diagnose myasthenic gravis

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS

SIDE EFFECTS

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

CONTRA- INDICATIONS

STORAGE CONDITIONS

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Diarrhea, sweating
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Increased salivation and increased bronchial secretions
  • Orally
  • Edrophonium is contraindicated in bromide allergy

EXAMPLES

  • Ambenonium chloride (Myetelase)
  • Edrophonium (Tensilon)
  • Neostigmine (Prostigmin)
  • Pyridostigmine (Mestinon)
  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep from freezing.
  • Neostigmine/pyridostigmine may be given by injection as an antidote to certain types of muscle relaxants used in surgery
  • Intramuscularly
  • Intravenously