Mestinon (Pyridostigmine)

Do;s

• Mestinon dosage varies depending on your individual needs and how you respond to the medication. Your healthcare provider will determine the right dosage for you.
• Take Mestinon exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on whether to take it with or without food.
• For liquid Mestinon: Use the provided measuring device to ensure the correct dose. Don't use a household spoon.
• For extended-release tablets: Swallow them whole. Don't crush, chew, or split them unless they have a score line and your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
• Take Mestinon at the same time(s) each day to maintain a consistent level of medication in your body.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or doesn't improve.

Don't

• Increase your Mestinon dose or take it more often than prescribed.
• Stop taking Mestinon without talking to your healthcare provider first.
• Be concerned if the tablets become discolored; this doesn't affect how well they work.

Common side effects of Mestinon:

• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Muscle cramps, twitching
• Sweating, increased salivation
• Cough with mucus
• Rash
• Blurred vision

Serious side effects:

• Extreme muscle weakness
• Loss of movement in any part of your body
• Weak or shallow breathing
• Slurred speech, vision problems
• Worsening or no improvement in your symptoms of myasthenia gravis

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Mestinon,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have allergies to Mestinon or bromides. It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to inactive ingredients in the medication.

In rare cases, Mestinon might initially worsen muscle weakness. Discuss this possibility with your healthcare provider.

Taking too much Mestinon can lead to a serious condition called a cholinergic crisis. Symptoms include severe muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, digestive problems, blurred vision, and excessive sweating. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health problems, especially stomach or intestinal blockage, urinary blockage, lung disease (like asthma or COPD), kidney disease, or slow/irregular heartbeat. These conditions can be affected by Mestinon.

Tell your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications you take, including Mestinon, before any surgery.

Liquid forms of Mestinon may contain sugar or alcohol. Be cautious if you have diabetes or liver disease. Talk to your healthcare provider about using Mestinon safely.

Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Mestinon with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.