Physostigmine

Generic name: Physostigmine
Brand names: Antilirium
Dosage form: injectable solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antidotes

Usage of Physostigmine

Physostigmine affects chemicals in the body that control the signals sent from the nervous system to the muscles to activate muscle movement.

Physostigmine is used to reverse the effects of certain drugs or substances that interfere with this nerve-muscle communication. Such substances include atropine, scopolamine, Belladonna, antihistamines, some antidepressants, and other anticholinergic (AN tye KOE lin ER jik) drugs.

Physostigmine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Physostigmine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

increased urination or bowel movements;

stomach cramps;

severe or worsening nausea or vomiting;

increased sweating;

blurred vision; or

excessive saliva in your mouth.

Common side effects of physostigmine may include:

nausea, vomiting;

increased salivation; or

slow heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Physostigmine

You should not be treated with physostigmine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

asthma;

diabetes;

bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

heart disease; or

gangrene (damaged skin and muscle tissue caused by infection or lack of blood supply).

If possible before you receive physostigmine, tell your doctor if:

you have a sulfite allergy;

you have recently taken Ultracet (acetaminophen with tramadol); or

you regularly take Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban, Aplenzin, Forfivo, and others).

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medicine.

Relate drugs

How to use Physostigmine

Usual Adult Dose for Anticholinergic Syndrome:

Post anesthesia care:Initial dose: 0.5 to 1 mg, IM or slow IV, at no more than 1 mg/minute-May repeat dose at 10 to 30 minute intervals if desired response is not obtainedOverdose of drugs that cause anticholinergic syndrome:2 mg, IM or slow IV, at no more than 1 mg/minute-May repeat dose if life threatening signs (e.g. arrhythmia, convulsions, coma) occur

Usual Pediatric Dose for Anticholinergic Syndrome:

0.02 mg/kg, IM or slow IV, at no more than 0.5 mg/minute-May repeat dose at 5 to 10 minute intervals if toxic effects persist (and no cholinergic effects) until a therapeutic effect is obtained.Maximum dose: 2 mg

Warnings

In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received physostigmine.

What other drugs will affect Physostigmine

Other drugs may interact with physostigmine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.