Neostigmine

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Neostigmine

Neostigmine (pronounced: nee-oh-STIG-meen) is a medication used to treat myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease. It is also used in anesthesia to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing muscle relaxants.

Etymology

The term "Neostigmine" is derived from the Greek words "neos" meaning new, and "stigma" meaning mark or point. It was named so because it was a new drug that targeted specific points in the body.

Usage

Neostigmine works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the body. By doing so, it increases the amount of acetylcholine available to stimulate muscle contractions, improving muscle strength in patients with myasthenia gravis.

Related Terms

  • Myasthenia gravis: A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.
  • Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter in the nervous system that plays a key role in muscle contraction.
  • Acetylcholinesterase: An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the body.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Neostigmine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased salivation, and sweating. More serious side effects can include slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and breathing difficulties.

See Also

  • Pyridostigmine: Another medication used to treat myasthenia gravis.
  • Edrophonium: A medication used to diagnose myasthenia gravis.

External links

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