Pralidoxime is a cholinesterase reactivator used as the antidote to organophosphate pesticides or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (nerve agents) in conjunction with atropine and diazepam. Organophosphates bind to the esteratic site of acetylcholinesterase, which results initially in reversible inactivation of the enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition causes acetylcholine to accumulate in synapses, producing continuous stimulation of cholinergic fibers throughout the nervous systems. If given within 24 hours after organophosphate exposure, pralidoxime reactivates the acetylcholinesterase by cleaving the phosphate-ester bond formed between the organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase. Pralidoxime is indicated as an adjunct in the treatment of moderate and severe poisoning caused by organophosphate pesticides that have anticholinesterase activity or by chemicals with anticholinesterase activity such as some chemicals used as nerve agents during chemical warfare. Pralidoxime is also indicated as an adjunct in the management of the overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as ambenonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Pralidoxime, used in conjunction with atropine, reverses nicotinic effects, such as muscle weakness and fasciculation, respiratory depression, and central nervous system (CNS) effects, associated with toxic exposure to organophosphate anticholinesterase pesticides and chemicals and with cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Atropine, by antagonizing the action of cholinesterase inhibitors at muscarinic receptor sites, reverses muscarinic effects, such as tracheobronchial and salivary secretion, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, and, to a moderate extent, CNS effects.

Pralidoxime is a cholinesterase reactivator used as the antidote to organophosphate pesticides or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (nerve agents) in conjunction with atropine and diazepam. Organophosphates bind to the esteratic site of acetylcholinesterase, which results initially in reversible inactivation of the enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition causes acetylcholine to accumulate in synapses, producing continuous stimulation of cholinergic fibers throughout the nervous systems. If given within 24 hours after organophosphate exposure, pralidoxime reactivates the acetylcholinesterase by cleaving the phosphate-ester bond formed between the organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase. Pralidoxime is indicated as an adjunct in the treatment of moderate and severe poisoning caused by organophosphate pesticides that have anticholinesterase activity or by chemicals with anticholinesterase activity such as some chemicals used as nerve agents during chemical warfare. Pralidoxime is also indicated as an adjunct in the management of the overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as ambenonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Pralidoxime, used in conjunction with atropine, reverses nicotinic effects, such as muscle weakness and fasciculation, respiratory depression, and central nervous system (CNS) effects, associated with toxic exposure to organophosphate anticholinesterase pesticides and chemicals and with cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Atropine, by antagonizing the action of cholinesterase inhibitors at muscarinic receptor sites, reverses muscarinic effects, such as tracheobronchial and salivary secretion, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, and, to a moderate extent, CNS effects.

Pralidoxime is a cholinesterase reactivator used as the antidote to organophosphate pesticides or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (nerve agents) in conjunction with atropine and diazepam. Organophosphates bind to the esteratic site of acetylcholinesterase, which results initially in reversible inactivation of the enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition causes acetylcholine to accumulate in synapses, producing continuous stimulation of cholinergic fibers throughout the nervous systems. If given within 24 hours after organophosphate exposure, pralidoxime reactivates the acetylcholinesterase by cleaving the phosphate-ester bond formed between the organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase. Pralidoxime is indicated as an adjunct in the treatment of moderate and severe poisoning caused by organophosphate pesticides that have anticholinesterase activity or by chemicals with anticholinesterase activity such as some chemicals used as nerve agents during chemical warfare. Pralidoxime is also indicated as an adjunct in the management of the overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as ambenonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Pralidoxime, used in conjunction with atropine, reverses nicotinic effects, such as muscle weakness and fasciculation, respiratory depression, and central nervous system (CNS) effects, associated with toxic exposure to organophosphate anticholinesterase pesticides and chemicals and with cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Atropine, by antagonizing the action of cholinesterase inhibitors at muscarinic receptor sites, reverses muscarinic effects, such as tracheobronchial and salivary secretion, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, and, to a moderate extent, CNS effects.

Pralidoxime is a cholinesterase reactivator used as the antidote to organophosphate pesticides or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (nerve agents) in conjunction with atropine and diazepam. Organophosphates bind to the esteratic site of acetylcholinesterase, which results initially in reversible inactivation of the enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition causes acetylcholine to accumulate in synapses, producing continuous stimulation of cholinergic fibers throughout the nervous systems. If given within 24 hours after organophosphate exposure, pralidoxime reactivates the acetylcholinesterase by cleaving the phosphate-ester bond formed between the organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase. Pralidoxime is indicated as an adjunct in the treatment of moderate and severe poisoning caused by organophosphate pesticides that have anticholinesterase activity or by chemicals with anticholinesterase activity such as some chemicals used as nerve agents during chemical warfare. Pralidoxime is also indicated as an adjunct in the management of the overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as ambenonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Pralidoxime, used in conjunction with atropine, reverses nicotinic effects, such as muscle weakness and fasciculation, respiratory depression, and central nervous system (CNS) effects, associated with toxic exposure to organophosphate anticholinesterase pesticides and chemicals and with cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Atropine, by antagonizing the action of cholinesterase inhibitors at muscarinic receptor sites, reverses muscarinic effects, such as tracheobronchial and salivary secretion, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, and, to a moderate extent, CNS effects.

Pralidoxime is a cholinesterase reactivator used as the antidote to organophosphate pesticides or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (nerve agents) in conjunction with atropine and diazepam. Organophosphates bind to the esteratic site of acetylcholinesterase, which results initially in reversible inactivation of the enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition causes acetylcholine to accumulate in synapses, producing continuous stimulation of cholinergic fibers throughout the nervous systems. If given within 24 hours after organophosphate exposure, pralidoxime reactivates the acetylcholinesterase by cleaving the phosphate-ester bond formed between the organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase. Pralidoxime is indicated as an adjunct in the treatment of moderate and severe poisoning caused by organophosphate pesticides that have anticholinesterase activity or by chemicals with anticholinesterase activity such as some chemicals used as nerve agents during chemical warfare. Pralidoxime is also indicated as an adjunct in the management of the overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as ambenonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Pralidoxime, used in conjunction with atropine, reverses nicotinic effects, such as muscle weakness and fasciculation, respiratory depression, and central nervous system (CNS) effects, associated with toxic exposure to organophosphate anticholinesterase pesticides and chemicals and with cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Atropine, by antagonizing the action of cholinesterase inhibitors at muscarinic receptor sites, reverses muscarinic effects, such as tracheobronchial and salivary secretion, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, and, to a moderate extent, CNS effects.

Pralidoxime is a cholinesterase reactivator used as the antidote to organophosphate pesticides or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (nerve agents) in conjunction with atropine and diazepam. Organophosphates bind to the esteratic site of acetylcholinesterase, which results initially in reversible inactivation of the enzyme. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition causes acetylcholine to accumulate in synapses, producing continuous stimulation of cholinergic fibers throughout the nervous systems. If given within 24 hours after organophosphate exposure, pralidoxime reactivates the acetylcholinesterase by cleaving the phosphate-ester bond formed between the organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase. Pralidoxime is indicated as an adjunct in the treatment of moderate and severe poisoning caused by organophosphate pesticides that have anticholinesterase activity or by chemicals with anticholinesterase activity such as some chemicals used as nerve agents during chemical warfare. Pralidoxime is also indicated as an adjunct in the management of the overdose of cholinesterase inhibitors, such as ambenonium, neostigmine, and pyridostigmine, used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Pralidoxime, used in conjunction with atropine, reverses nicotinic effects, such as muscle weakness and fasciculation, respiratory depression, and central nervous system (CNS) effects, associated with toxic exposure to organophosphate anticholinesterase pesticides and chemicals and with cholinesterase inhibitor overdose. Atropine, by antagonizing the action of cholinesterase inhibitors at muscarinic receptor sites, reverses muscarinic effects, such as tracheobronchial and salivary secretion, bronchoconstriction, bradycardia, and, to a moderate extent, CNS effects.

Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction, characterized clinically by muscle weakness and abnormal fatigability on exertion. Current guidelines and recommendations for MG treatment are based largely on clinical experience, retrospective analyses and expert consensus. Pyridostigmine (under the trade names Mestinon (Valeant Pharmaceuticals)), has been used as a treatment for MG for over 50 years and is generally considered safe. It is suitable as a long-term treatment in patients with generalized non-progressive milder disease, and as an adjunctive therapy in patients with severe disease who are also receiving immunotherapy. Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft by competing with acetylcholine for attachment to acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, and thereby increases efficiency of cholinergic transmission in the neuromuscular junction and prolongs the effects of acetylcholine. The side effects of Mestinon are most commonly related to over dosage and generally are of two varieties, muscarinic and nicotinic. Among those in the former group are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased peristalsis, increased salivation, increased bronchial secretions, miosis and diaphoresis. Nicotinic side effects are comprised chiefly of muscle cramps, fasciculation and weakness. Muscarinic side effects can usually be counteracted by atropine, but for reasons shown in the preceding section the expedient is not without danger. As with any compound containing the bromide radical, a skin rash may be seen in an occasional patient. Such reactions usually subside promptly upon discontinuance of the medication.

Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction, characterized clinically by muscle weakness and abnormal fatigability on exertion. Current guidelines and recommendations for MG treatment are based largely on clinical experience, retrospective analyses and expert consensus. Pyridostigmine (under the trade names Mestinon (Valeant Pharmaceuticals)), has been used as a treatment for MG for over 50 years and is generally considered safe. It is suitable as a long-term treatment in patients with generalized non-progressive milder disease, and as an adjunctive therapy in patients with severe disease who are also receiving immunotherapy. Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft by competing with acetylcholine for attachment to acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, and thereby increases efficiency of cholinergic transmission in the neuromuscular junction and prolongs the effects of acetylcholine. The side effects of Mestinon are most commonly related to over dosage and generally are of two varieties, muscarinic and nicotinic. Among those in the former group are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased peristalsis, increased salivation, increased bronchial secretions, miosis and diaphoresis. Nicotinic side effects are comprised chiefly of muscle cramps, fasciculation and weakness. Muscarinic side effects can usually be counteracted by atropine, but for reasons shown in the preceding section the expedient is not without danger. As with any compound containing the bromide radical, a skin rash may be seen in an occasional patient. Such reactions usually subside promptly upon discontinuance of the medication.

Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction, characterized clinically by muscle weakness and abnormal fatigability on exertion. Current guidelines and recommendations for MG treatment are based largely on clinical experience, retrospective analyses and expert consensus. Pyridostigmine (under the trade names Mestinon (Valeant Pharmaceuticals)), has been used as a treatment for MG for over 50 years and is generally considered safe. It is suitable as a long-term treatment in patients with generalized non-progressive milder disease, and as an adjunctive therapy in patients with severe disease who are also receiving immunotherapy. Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft by competing with acetylcholine for attachment to acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, and thereby increases efficiency of cholinergic transmission in the neuromuscular junction and prolongs the effects of acetylcholine. The side effects of Mestinon are most commonly related to over dosage and generally are of two varieties, muscarinic and nicotinic. Among those in the former group are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased peristalsis, increased salivation, increased bronchial secretions, miosis and diaphoresis. Nicotinic side effects are comprised chiefly of muscle cramps, fasciculation and weakness. Muscarinic side effects can usually be counteracted by atropine, but for reasons shown in the preceding section the expedient is not without danger. As with any compound containing the bromide radical, a skin rash may be seen in an occasional patient. Such reactions usually subside promptly upon discontinuance of the medication.

Acquired myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction, characterized clinically by muscle weakness and abnormal fatigability on exertion. Current guidelines and recommendations for MG treatment are based largely on clinical experience, retrospective analyses and expert consensus. Pyridostigmine (under the trade names Mestinon (Valeant Pharmaceuticals)), has been used as a treatment for MG for over 50 years and is generally considered safe. It is suitable as a long-term treatment in patients with generalized non-progressive milder disease, and as an adjunctive therapy in patients with severe disease who are also receiving immunotherapy. Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft by competing with acetylcholine for attachment to acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, and thereby increases efficiency of cholinergic transmission in the neuromuscular junction and prolongs the effects of acetylcholine. The side effects of Mestinon are most commonly related to over dosage and generally are of two varieties, muscarinic and nicotinic. Among those in the former group are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased peristalsis, increased salivation, increased bronchial secretions, miosis and diaphoresis. Nicotinic side effects are comprised chiefly of muscle cramps, fasciculation and weakness. Muscarinic side effects can usually be counteracted by atropine, but for reasons shown in the preceding section the expedient is not without danger. As with any compound containing the bromide radical, a skin rash may be seen in an occasional patient. Such reactions usually subside promptly upon discontinuance of the medication.