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Physostigmine Disease Interactions

There are 9 disease interactions with physostigmine.

Major

Cholinesterase inhibitor (applies to physostigmine) bradycardia

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility. Applicable conditions: Arrhythmias

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.

Major

Cholinesterase inhibitor (applies to physostigmine) bronchospasm

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility. Applicable conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Asthma

Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. The enhanced effect of acetylcholine produces constriction of the bronchi, increased bronchial secretions, and bronchospasm. Therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors should be administered cautiously in patients with respiratory dysfunction, history of asthma, or obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiratory function should be closely monitored for the occurrence of respiratory adverse reactions. Use of atropine along with discontinuation of the cholinesterase inhibitor may be required for serious respiratory distress.

Major

Cholinesterase inhibitor (applies to physostigmine) coronary artery disease

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility. Applicable conditions: Ischemic Heart Disease

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.

Major

Cholinesterase inhibitor (applies to physostigmine) parkinsonism

Major Potential Hazard, High plausibility.

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.

Major

Physostigmine (applies to physostigmine) asthma

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

Physostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. The enhanced effect of acetylcholine produces constriction of the bronchi, increased bronchial secretions, and bronchospasm. Physostigmine salicylate injection is contraindicated in patients with asthma.

Major

Physostigmine (applies to physostigmine) cardiovascular disease

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility.

Physostigmine salicylate injection is contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Major

Physostigmine (applies to physostigmine) diabetes

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Diabetes Mellitus

Physostigmine salicylate injection is contraindicated in patients with diabetes, and in patients with gangrene.

Major

Physostigmine (applies to physostigmine) GI/UT obstruction

Major Potential Hazard, Moderate plausibility. Applicable conditions: Gastrointestinal Obstruction, Urinary Tract Obstruction

Physostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that inhibit the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. Physostigmine salicylate injection is contraindicated in patients with mechanical obstruction of the intestine or urogenital tract or any vagotonic state.

Moderate

Cholinesterase inhibitor (applies to physostigmine) hyperthyroidism

Moderate Potential Hazard, High plausibility.

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.

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Physostigmine drug interactions

There are 189 drug interactions with physostigmine.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

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