Pyridostigmine Side Effects

Brand Names: Mestinon

Please note - some side effects for Pyridostigmine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Pyridostigmine - for the consumer

Pyridostigmine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Pyridostigmine. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Pyridostigmine:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; trouble breathing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.

Pyridostigmine Controlled-Release Tablets

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Pyridostigmine Controlled-Release Tablets. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Pyridostigmine Controlled-Release Tablets:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; trouble breathing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.

Pyridostigmine Syrup

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Pyridostigmine Syrup. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Pyridostigmine Syrup:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; trouble breathing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.

Pyridostigmine Tablets

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with Pyridostigmine Tablets. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Pyridostigmine Tablets:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; trouble breathing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.

By body system

Gastrointestinal side effects

Gastrointestinal side effects have included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loose stools, flatulence, abdominal cramps, increased peristalsis, and increased salivation.

Respiratory side effects

Respiratory side effects have included exacerbation of bronchitis and asthma. Adverse effects that are generally associated with overdosage have included increased bronchial secretions and bronchospasm.

Musculoskeletal side effects

Musculoskeletal side effects have included muscle weakness and twitching. Adverse effects that are generally associated with overdosage have included muscle cramps, fasciculation, weakness, and paralysis. Arthralgia, hyperalgesia and joint pain have been reported.

A 46-year-old woman with myasthenia gravis developed arthralgia, hyperalgesia, and joint stiffness after 8 years of pyridostigmine 60 mg orally 5 times daily. The side effects slightly lessened after lowering dose to 60 mg twice a day. Symptoms disappeared upon discontinuation and returned upon rechallenge.

Endocrine side effects

Endocrine side effects have included diaphoresis and rhinorrhea.

Ocular side effects

Ocular side effects are generally associated with overdosage and have included miosis, lacrimation, and blurred vision.

Dermatologic side effects

Dermatologic side effects have included acneiform skin rashes due to the bromide radical, urticaria, toxic alopecia, and alopecia areata.

Hematologic side effects

Hematologic side effects have included thrombophlebitis after intravenous administration. Individual cases of epistaxis and profuse bleeding after a cut have been reported with oral administration.

Cardiovascular side effects

Cardiovascular side effects have included elevations in blood pressure. Adverse effects that are generally associated with overdosage have included bradycardia, tachycardia, cardiospasm, and hypotension.

Nervous system side effects

Nervous system side effects have included headache, vertigo, and tingling of the extremities. Adverse effects that are generally associated with pyridostigmine overdosage and/or bromide intoxication have included agitation, coma, confusion, combativeness, delusions, hallucinations, incoordination, irritability, loss of memory, restlessness, and stupor.

Genitourinary side effects

Genitourinary effects have included urinary urgency and frequency.

Metabolic side effects

Metabolic side effects have been attributed to bromide intoxication and have included a negative anion gap and hyperchloremia.

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