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Neostigmine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 31, 2023.

Applies to neostigmine: injection solution.

Serious side effects of Neostigmine

Along with its needed effects, neostigmine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking neostigmine:

More common

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking neostigmine:

Symptoms of Overdose

Other side effects of Neostigmine

Some side effects of neostigmine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to neostigmine: compounding powder, injectable solution, intravenous solution, oral tablet.

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, tachycardia, decreased cardiac conduction (in severe cases possibly leading to heart block or cardiac arrest), hypotension, syncope[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Hyperhidrosis, rash, urticaria, pruritus[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, flatulence, dry mouth, salivary hypersecretion, increased intestinal motility (which may result in involuntary defecation)[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Urinary incontinence[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity, angioedema, anaphylactic reaction[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Muscle spasm, muscle cramps, fasciculation[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Cholinergic syndrome (especially at high doses; in patients with myasthenia gravis, cholinergic crisis may be difficult to distinguish from myasthenia crisis), headache, dizziness, convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma, drowsiness, restlessness, ataxia, slurred speech, general weakness, paralysis[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Miosis, lacrimation increased, vision changes, nystagmus[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Increased bronchial secretion, bronchospasm, dyspnea, respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, tight chest, wheezing[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Agitation, fear, insomnia[Ref]

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

3. Product Information. Neostigmine Methyl Sulfate (neostigmine). American Regent Laboratories Inc. 2019.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.