Pyridostigmine

Pyridostigmine is a parasympathomimetic and a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. Since it is a quaternary amine, it is poorly absorbed in the gut and does not cross the blood-brain barrier, except possibly in stressful conditions.

Mode of action
In a synapse, action potentials are conducted along motor nerves to their terminals where they initiate a Ca2+ influx and the release of acetylcholine (ACh). The ACh diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the post synaptic membrane, causing an influx of Na+ and K+ ions, resulting in depolarization. If large enough, this depolarization results in an action potential. To prevent constant stimulation once the ACh is released, an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase is present in the endplate membrane close to the receptors on the post synaptic membrane, and quickly hydrolizes ACh.

Pyridostigmine inhibits acetylcholinesterase in the synaptic cleft, thus slowing down the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. It is a quaternary carbamate inhibitor of cholinesterase that does not cross the blood-brain barrier which carbamylates about 30% of peripheral cholinesterase enzyme. The carbamylated enzyme eventually regenerates by natural hydrolysis and excess ACh levels revert to normal.

Clinical uses
Pyridostigmine is used to treat muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis and to combat the effects of curariform drug toxicity. Pyridostigmine bromide has been FDA approved for military use during combat situations as an agent to be given prior to exposure to the nerve agent Soman in order to increase survival. Used in particular during the first Gulf War, pyridostigmine bromide has been implicated as a causal factor in Gulf War syndrome.

Pyridostigmine sometimes is used to treat orthostatic hypotension. and it may also be of benefit in chronic axonal polyneuropathy.

It is also being prescribed 'off-label' for the Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

Pyridostigmine bromide is available under the trade names Mestinon (Valeant Pharmaceuticals) and Regonol.

Contraindications
Pyrostigmine bromide is contraindicated in cases of mechanical intestinal or urinary obstruction and should be used with caution in patients with bronchial asthma.

Side effects
Common side effects include:


 * Sweating
 * Diarrhea
 * Nausea
 * Vomiting
 * Abdominal cramps
 * Increased salivation


 * Tearing
 * Increased bronchial secretions
 * Constricted pupils
 * Facial flushing due to vasodilation
 * Erectile dysfunction

Chemistry
Pyridostigmine, 3-[(dimethylaminocarbonyl)oxy]-1-methyl pyridinium bromide, is synthesized from 3-hydroxypyridine, which is reacted with dimethylaminocarbamoyl chloride, which gives 3-(dimethylaminocarbamoyl)pyridine. The last is reacted with methylbromide, giving pyridostigmine.
 * Pyridostigmine synthesis.png


 * R. Urban, (1951).

Related publications

 * 1) Brenner, G. M. (2000). Pharmacology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-7757-6
 * 2) Canadian Pharmacists Association (2000). Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (25th ed.). Toronto, ON: Webcom. ISBN 0-919115-76-4
 * 3) Neal, M.J. (2002). Medical Pharmacology at a Glance (5th ed.). London, England: Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 1405133600

Pyridostigmin Piridostigmina Pyridostigmine Piridostigmina Пиридостигмина бромид Pyridostigmiini