A cholinesterase inhibitor with a slightly longer duration of action than neostigmine. It is used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and to reverse the actions of muscle relaxants. [PubChem]
Indication
For the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
Pharmacology
Pyridostigmine is a parasympathomimetic and a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. Since it is a quaternary amine, it is poorly absorbed in the gut and doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier. Pyridostigmine has a slightly longer duration of action than NEOSTIGMINE. It is used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and to reverse the actions of muscle relaxants.
Affected Organisms
Humans and other mammals
Biotransformation
Hydrolysis by cholinesterases and by liver.
Absorption
Poorly absorbed from the GI tract with an oral bioavailability of 7.6 +/- 2.4%.
Half Life
3 hours following oral administration.
References
•
Singer W, Opfer-Gehrking TL, McPhee BR, Hilz MJ, Bharucha AE, Low PA: Acetylcholinesterase inhibition: a novel approach in the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003 Sep;74(9):1294-8.
[Pubmed]
