Neostigmine is a parasympathomimetic, specifically, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. By interfering with the breakdown of acetylcholine, neostigmine indirectly stimulates both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.
Clinical Uses
It is used to improve muscle tone in people with Myasthenia gravis and routinely in anesthesia at the end of an operation to reverse the effects of non-depolarising muscle relaxants such as vecuronium.
It can also be used for urinary retention resulting from general anaesthetic and to treat curariform drug toxicity.
Neostigmine will cause slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia), for this reason it is usually given along with a parasympatholytic drug such as atropine or glycopyrrolate.
Neostigmine is available under several trade names such as Prostigmin (ICN).
Sources
- 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