Prostigmin Disease Interactions

Due to their pharmacological action, cholinesterase inhibitors can have a vagotonic effect on the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes producing bradycardia or heart block. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting bradycardia or underlying cardiac conduction abnormalities. Syncopal episodes have been reported. Atropine may be used to reverse bradycardia produced by cholinesterase inhibitors.

The use of cholinesterase inhibitors has been associated with a constriction of coronary arteries. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with coronary artery disease.

Cholinesterase inhibitors should be used with caution in patients with parkinsonism. Some of these drugs might be contraindicated in these patients (refer to specific prescribing information). Symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be exacerbated with the increase in cholinergic activity. Caregivers and patients should be advised.

Neostigmine is contraindicated in mechanical obstruction of the urinary or intestinal tract and peritonitis.

Many of the manifestations of hyperthyroidism may be exacerbated by increased levels of acetylcholine produced by cholinesterase inhibitors. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously to patients with hyperthyroidism. Monitoring of thyroid levels is recommended.

Neostigmine is metabolized by microsomal enzymes in the liver, and the effect of hepatic impairment on pharmacokinetics has not been evaluated. Patients should be carefully monitored if hepatically cleared neuromuscular blocking agents are used, as their duration of action may be prolonged due to hepatic insufficiency.