What's the mechanism of action for Mestinon (pyridostigmine)?
Mestinon works by slowing the breakdown of the chemical messenger acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This action helps to improve muscle strength by increasing the signals between nerves and muscles. Mestinon is a prescription medication used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease.
Our muscles need acetylcholine to function well. Mestinon affects the chemical messengers in the body that are involved in the communication between nerve impulses and muscle movement.
- Mestinon (pyridostigmine) works by increasing levels of acetylcholine (ACh), a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) found in our bodies.
- It does this by preventing the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme from breaking down acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction (especially in muscles and nerves), thus leading to increased levels.
- Greater levels of acetylcholine lead to higher neuronal transmission across the neuromuscular junction.
Why is Mestinon prescribed?
Mestinon (pyridostigmine) is classified as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It is useful in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a long-term, autoimmune, neuromuscular disease characterized by weakness and fatigue of skeletal muscles (the muscles that allow body movement in the arms and legs, and for breathing).
Myasthenia gravis can affect people of any age, but is more common in women younger than 40 and in men older than 60.
There's no cure for myasthenia gravis, but treatment can help relieve signs and symptoms such muscle weakness, double vision, drooping eyelids, and difficulties with speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing.
Pyridostigmine may also be used to reverse the effect of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking medication and can be used in military personnel who have been exposed to nerve gas.
This is not all the information you need to know about Mestinon (pyridostigmine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related questions
References
- Mestinon. (pyridostigmine). Prescribing information. ICN Pharmaceuticals. FDA. Accessed Apr 11, 2023 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2001/15193s18lbl.pdf
- Myasthenia Gravis. National Institutes of Health (NIH). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Apr 11, 2023 at https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravis#
- Drug Database: Pyridostigmine. Clinical info. HIV.gov. Accessed Apr 11, 2023 at https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/drugs/pyridostigmine/health-professional
Read next
Is Mestinon an Immunosuppressant?
Mestinon is not an immunosuppressant it is an anticholinesterase inhibitor that slows the breakdown of acetylcholine in the space between nerves and muscles. This helps improve muscle strength by making the signal between nerves and muscles stronger. Mestinon does not affect your immune system, but it is used for autoimmune conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease. It may be also be used off-label to treat postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Continue reading
How does Ultomiris compare to Soliris for PNH?
Ultomiris (ravulizumab) and Soliris (eculizumab) are both C5 complement inhibitors approved to treat patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a blood disease caused by red blood cell destruction. Ultomiris has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in your blood longer and does not have to be dosed as often. Continue reading
What is the difference between Vyvgart and Vyvgart Hytrulo?
Vyvgart and Vyvgart Hytrulo both contain the same active ingredient, efgartigimod, but there are differences in their uses and the way they are given, for example Vyvgart Hytrulo can be self-administered using a prefilled syringe for subcutaneous (SC) injection, whereas Vyvgart must be given by intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider.
Continue readingRelated medical questions
- How does Soliris work for PNH?
- How does Empaveli compare to Soliris?
- How long does it take for Ultomiris to work?
- What is the mechanism of action for Rystiggo?
- How long does it take Rystiggo to work?
- How does Ultomiris work for myasthenia gravis?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Pyridostigmine (8 questions, 16 members)
- Mestinon (7 questions, 42 members)
- Myasthenia Gravis (18 questions, 96 members)