Pyridostigmine: Difference between revisions

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{{drugbox
#REDIRECT [[Pyridostigmine (patient information)]]
| IUPAC_name = (1-methylpyridin-5-yl) dimethylaminoformate
| image = Pyridostigmine.png
| CAS_number = 155-97-5
| ATC_prefix = N07
| ATC_suffix = AA02
| ATC_supplemental =
| PubChem = 4991
| DrugBank = APRD00380
| C = 9 | H = 13 | N = 2 | O = 2
| molecular_weight = 181.212 g/mol
| bioavailability = 7.6 +/- 2.4%
| protein_bound =
| metabolism =
| elimination_half-life = 1.78 +/- 0.24hrs
| excretion = [[Kidney|Renal]]
| pregnancy_AU = C
| pregnancy_US = C
| legal_UK = POM
| legal_US = Rx-only
| routes_of_administration = Oral, [[Intravenous therapy|intravenous]]
}}
'''Pyridostigmine''' is a [[parasympathomimetic]] and a reversible [[cholinesterase inhibitor]].  Since it is a quaternary amine, it is poorly absorbed in the gut and doesn't cross the [[blood-brain barrier]], except in stressful conditions[2].
 
==Mode of action==
''In order to understand the mode of action, a quick outline of a synapse is given below.  For more information, look up [[synapse]].''
 
Action potentials are conducted along motor nerves to their terminals where they initiate a Ca2+ influx and the release of [[acetylcholine]] (ACh).  The ACh diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the post synaptic membrane, causing an influx of [[sodium|Na]]+ and [[potassium|K]]+ ions, resulting in depolarisation.  If large enough, this depolarisation results in an action potential.  In order to prevent constant stimulation once the ACh is released, an enzyme called [[acetylcholinesterase]] is present in the endplate membrane close to the receptors on the post synaptic membrane, and quickly hydrolises ACh.
 
Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the [[synaptic cleft]], thus slowing down the hydrolysis of [[acetylcholine]].
 
==Clinical uses==
Pyridostigmine is used to treat muscle weakness in people with [[myasthenia gravis]] and to combat the effects of [[curare|curariform]] drug toxicity. It also has a military use as a [[nerve gas]] [[antidote]] (it has been used in particular during the first [[Gulf War]]).
 
Pyridostigmine is now also used to treat [[orthostatic hypotension]].<ref name="Singer-2003">{{cite journal | author=Singer W, Opfer-Gehrking TL, McPhee BR, Hilz MJ, Bharucha AE, Low PA. | title=Acetylcholinesterase inhibition: a novel approach in the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. | journal=J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry | year=2003 | volume=74 | issue=9 | pages=1294-8 | id=PMID 12933939}}</ref>
 
Pyridostigmine bromide is available under the trade names '''Mestinon&reg;''' ([[Valeant Pharmaceuticals International|Valeant Pharmaceuticals]]) and '''Regonol&reg;'''.
 
==References==
<references/>
2. Journal Watch Psychiatry, Vol. 1997, Issue 201, 21 February 1, 1997
 
==Related Publications==
#Brenner, G. M. (2000). ''Pharmacology.'' Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-7757-6
#Canadian Pharmacists Association (2000). ''Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties'' (25th ed.). Toronto, ON: Webcom. ISBN 0-919115-76-4
#Neal, M.J. (2002). ''Medical Pharmacology at a Glance'' (5th ed.). London, England: Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 1405133600 
{{Parasympathomimetics}}
{{Anticholinesterases}}
 
[[Category:Anticholinesterases]]
 
[[ru:Пиридостигмина бромид]]

Revision as of 14:41, 20 December 2011