Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Prostigmin Bromide

Generic Name: neostigmine (Pronunciation: nee o STIG meen)

• What is neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• What are the possible side effects of neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• What is the most important information I should know about neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• How should I take neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• What happens if I overdose (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• What should I avoid while taking neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• What other drugs will affect neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?

Neostigmine affects chemicals in the body that are involved in the communication between nerve impulses and muscle movement.

Neostigmine is used to treat the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

Neostigmine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using neostigmine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• extreme muscle weakness;
• slurred speech, vision problems;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• severe stomach cramps or diarrhea;
• trouble breathing, cough with mucus;
• fast or slow heart rate;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• worsening or no improvement in your symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, drowsiness;
• mild nausea, vomiting, gas;
• urinating more than usual;
• cold sweat, warmth or tingly feeling; or
• mild rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about neostigmine (Prostigmin Bromide)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to neostigmine or pyridostigmine (Mestinon), or if you have a bladder or bowel obstruction, or a serious stomach disorder called peritonitis.

Before taking neostigmine, tell your doctor if you have asthma, kidney disease, slow heartbeats or other heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, an ulcer or other serious stomach disorder, overactive thyroid, or a history of seizures.

The amount and timing of this medicine is extremely important to the success of your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how much medicine to take and when to take it. You may need to take neostigmine at evenly spaced intervals around the clock.

This medication may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. You may be asked to keep a daily record of when you took each dose and how long the effects lasted. This will help your doctor determine if your dose needs to be adjusted.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using neostigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

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