Neostigmine is used to treat myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder).
This medicine may also be used in the management of paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines).
Neostigmine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Neostigmine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
If you are taking this medicine for myasthenia gravis, you should try to take this medicine at times when your muscles are needed the most, such as when getting up or before a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of Neostigmine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Neostigmine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- intestinal obstruction (blocked bowel)
- urinary tract (bladder or urethra) obstruction
as Neostigmine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- asthma
- heart disease e.g. low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, chest pain, recent heart attack
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
- peptic ulcer disease (open sores in the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or lower food pipe)
- vagotonia (overactivity of nerve causing slowed heartbeat, decreased heart output, and fainting)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Neostigmine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Neostigmine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps or pain and increased salivation.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
- methylprednisolone (anti-inflammatory medicine)
- medicine for high blood pressure e.g. metoprolol, propranolol
- medicine used to treat or prevent malaria (a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito) e.g. chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine
- certain antibiotics e.g. amikacin, gentamicin, clindamycin, colistin
- medicine for irregular heartbeat e.g. procainamide, propafenone, quinidine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Neostigmine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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