WHAT IS Mestinon/Pyridostigmine bromide TABLETS?

PYRIDOSTIGMINE/Mestinon can help with muscle strength. It is used to treat myasthenia gravis. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

HOW SHOULD I USE Mestinon/Pyridostigmine bromide?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Mestinon/Pyridostigmine bromide?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

WHAT MAY INTERACT WITH Mestinon/Pyridostigmine bromide?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• quinine
• other medicines for myasthenia gravis like neostigmine

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• bethanechol
• edrophonium
• medicines that block muscle or nerve pain
• disopyramide
• mecamylamine
• guanadrel
• atropine
• guanethidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Mestinon/Pyridostigmine bromide?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• changes in vision
• stomach cramps, pain
• muscle cramps, spasm
• breathing problems
• unusually weak or tired
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased sweating
• increased saliva
• diarrhea, especially at start of treatment
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WEAR A MEDICAL ID BRACELET OR CHAIN, AND CARRY A CARD THAT DESCRIBES YOUR DISEASE AND DETAILS OF YOUR MEDICINE AND DOSAGE TIMES. WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Mestinon/Pyridostigmine bromide?

Keep out of the reach of children.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Mestinon/Pyridostigmine bromide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• heart disease
• irregular, slow heartbeat
• difficulty passing urine
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pyridostigmine/Mestinon , bromides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• thyroid disease
• stomach obstruction or ulcers
• infection in abdomen, peritonitis
• kidney disease
• breast-feeding
• seizures
• vagotonia

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.