Mestinon (Pyridostigmine) can improve muscle strength. Mestinon can help to treat myasthenia gravis, a disease that affects your muscles.

Mestinon tablets may also be used by the military before an anticipated threat of exposure to certain nerve gas agents.

Mestinon (Pyridostigmine bromide) belongs to the group of medicines called anticholinesterases. Mestinon works by prolonging the action acetylcholine, which is found naturally in the body. Mestinon does this by inhibiting the action of the enzyme acetyl cholinesterase. Acetylcholine stimulates a type of receptor called muscarinic receptors. When stimulated, these receptors have a range of effects.

Muscarinic receptors are found throughout the body, especially on muscle. Stimulation of these receptors

Take Mestinon tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If Mestinon upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.

Adults and teenagers
At first, the dose of Mestinon is 30 to 60 milligrams (mg) every three or four hours. Then, the dose is 60 mg to 1.5 grams (usually 600 mg) per day.

Children
The dose of Mestinon is based on body weight or size and must be determined by your doctor. The total daily dose is usually

Mestinon should not be taken with the following drugs

• atropine
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• disopyramide
• mecamylamine
• medicines that cause muscle relaxation
• other medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis
• quinine
• trimethaphan

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also

Most Important Fact about Mestinon
If you are in the military and instructed to use Mestinon in case of threatened exposure to Soman nerve gas, be sure to get instructions on the use of the antidote atropine and pralidoxime. In this case, you will need to get an adequate supply of these drugs. Mestinon tablets are only to be used prior to exposure to Soman. Mestinon should not be used during or after exposure to Soman.

Mestinon precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Mestinon

• diarrhea,
• increased sweating,
• increased watering of mouth,
• nausea or vomiting,
• stomach cramps or pain

Less common side effects of Mestinon may include:

• frequent urge to urinate,
• increase in bronchial secretions,
• unusually small pupils,
• unusual watering of eyes

Rare side effects of Mestinon may include:

• Top | Read More on Possible Mestinon Side effects