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WHAT IS MESTINON AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Mestinon (Pyridostigmine) is the most commonly used anticholinesterase for the symptomatic treatment of Myasthenia Gravis. It comes in a 60 milligram (mg) white, round tablet. Mestinon prevents the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine allowing more acetylcholine to accumulate. Acetylcholine is the chemical which transmits nerve impulses to the muscle. With more acetylcholine, there is more control of voluntary functions such as eye movements, limb strength, swallowing and breathing. Mestinon does not cure Myasthenia Gravis, but helps to alleviate the symptoms.
WHAT ARE SOME POSSBILE SIDE EFECTS OF MESTINON?
Increased salivation
- Increased tearing
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
All side effects should be reported to the doctor. Muscle weakness is an extremely important side effect to be noted.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I MISS A DOSE OF MESTINON?
It is important to take Mestinon exactly as ordered and on time. If a dose is missed within one hour of the time for the dose, take the medication and continue with the other doses as scheduled. If a dose is missed by more than one hour take the dose immediately, then wait the required 3-4 hours before resuming the schedule. For example, if a dose missed at noon is taken at two o’clock, the next dose is five or six o’clock.
WHAT ARE SOME SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MESTINON?
- Watch for the possible side effects.
- It is difficult to judge the optimum dosage. Recording your response after each dose will help the doctor.
- Be aware of difficulty in breathing and swallowing, or speech. If muscle weakness is severe, call the doctor to determine if the weakness is caused by drug toxicity or Myasthenia Gravis itself.
- Always note when Mestinon was last taken to avoid missing a dose.
- Keep and extra supply with you to avoid difficulty obtaining refills.
- When traveling carry medication on your person, not in your luggage.
WHAT IS MESTIONON TIMESPAN?
Mestinon Timespan is a long acting ( slow release) form of Mestinon. It comes in 180 milligram (mg) tan colored, oblong, solid capsule. Mestinon Timespan is usually taken at night, so patient does not have to wake up to take the nighttime Mestinon doses.
WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE SIDE EFECTS OF MESTINON TIMESPAN?
Same as Mestinon, possibly more likely to occur.
WHAT ARE SOME SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR MESTINON TIMESPAN?
- Should not be crushed.
- Never should be substituted for regular Mestinon
- Coating may be excreted in the stool, but this does not mean the drug has not been absorbed.
This information was developed by the Detroit Chapter.