Neostigmine - oral

Neostigmine is used to improve muscle strength. This medicine is used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder).

This medicine may also be used in the management of paralytic ileus (a condition where the bowel does not work properly) and postoperative urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder and urinate).

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.

This medicine may be taken with or without meals. Consider taking the larger portion of your daily dose during the time where in you are prone to experience tiredness e.g. mealtime, afternoon. Try to take it at the same time each day.

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 any of these conditions:

- bowel or intestine obstruction (blockage of the intestines)
- urinary tract (bladder or urethra) disorder
- peritonitis (inflammation of the lining in the abdomen)
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have:

- asthma
- heart disease
- epilepsy (fits or seizure)
- hyperthyroidism (thyroid gland disorder)
- Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects movement, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
- kidney disease
- stomach ulcer
- undergone recent intestine or bladder surgery
- irritability of the vagus nerve which causes excessive contractions of your bowels

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Neostigmine may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, abdominal 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 if you are taking any of these:

- medicines for bacterial infections e.g. clindamycin, colistin
- medicines for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) e.g. procainamide, propafenone, quinidine
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. lithium

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.