Distigmine bromide is used to treat myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder).
This medicine may also be used to treat constipation and bladder problems after surgery and other digestive (bowel) movement disorders.
Distigmine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Distigmine bromide 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.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, 30 minutes before breakfast. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better/well. 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:
- bowel or intestine obstruction (blockage of the intestine)
- heart problems e.g. recent heart attack, abnormal or irregular heartbeat
- Parkinson’s disease (disorder that affects movement of a person, causing symptoms e.g. tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- epilepsy (fits or seizure)
- bladder disease
- asthma
- muscle spasm caused by tetanus
- myotonia (disease affecting skeletal muscles or muscles used for movement)
- thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormones in the blood)
- severe vagotonia (nerve problem resulting to slowed heartbeat, low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, and fainting)
as Distigmine bromide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- digestive (bowel) obstruction
- urinary tract obstruction
- stomach ulcer
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- undergone recent intestine or bladder surgery
- hyperthyroidism (thyroid gland disorder)
- mild to moderate vagotonia (nerve problem resulting to slowed heartbeat, low blood pressure, cold hands and feet, and fainting)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Distigmine bromide may impair alertness or cause blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: dizziness, headache, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, excessive salivation, prolonged cough with phlegm, tearing, and constriction of the pupil of the eye.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- slowed or abnormal heartbeat
- chest pain
- symptoms of cholinergic crisis such as nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea
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:
- medicines used for muscle relaxation during surgery e.g. succinylcholine, decamethonium
- antibiotics e.g. neomycin, streptomycin, kanamycin
- medicines to treat depression e.g. imipramine, mirtazapine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium, clozapine
- medicines for cold or allergy e.g. cetirizine
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. quinidine, metoprolol
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisolone
- other medicines such as atropine, dipyridamole
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Distigmine bromide.
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. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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