Drug Groups

approved

Description

A cholinesterase inhibitor that is rapidly absorbed through membranes. It can be applied topically to the conjunctiva. It also can cross the blood-brain barrier and is used when central nervous system effects are desired, as in the treatment of severe anticholinergic toxicity. [PubChem]

Indication

For the treatment of glaucoma, and in the treatment of severe anticholinergic toxicity.

Pharmacology

Physostigmine is a parasympathomimetic, specifically, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor which effectively increases the concentration of acetylcholine at the sites of cholinergic transmission. Physostigmine is used to treat glaucoma. Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is also used to treat the central nervous system effects of atropine overdose and other anticholinergic drug overdoses. Physostigmine can reverse both central and peripheral anticholinergia.

Toxicity

Side effects include increased sweating, loss of bladder control, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps or pain, shortness of breath, tightness in chest, or wheezing, slow or irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness or weakness, watering of mouth, blurred vision or change in near or distant vision, and eye pain.

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Quickly hydrolyzed by cholinesterases

External Links