NEOSTIGMINE 0.5MG/ML INJECTION
NEOSTIGMINE METILSUFATE
What it does
Metilsufate is a medication that helps in treating certain conditions but specific details on its uses and interactions are not provided.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:47 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:06
Drug Interactions
1Pharmacodynamic Warnings
Neostigmine appears in TABLE 6: Drugs that cause bradycardia
Unknown (1)
Neostigmine - decreases effects
Aminoglycosidesarepredictedtodecreasetheeffectsof neostigmine.oTheoretical
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About metilsufate
Metilsufate is a medication that helps in treating certain conditions but specific details on its uses and interactions are not provided.
How it works
Metilsufate works by affecting certain processes in the body, but specific mechanisms are not detailed.
Who it's for
It is used for patients requiring treatment for specific health conditions as directed by a healthcare professional.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About neostigmine
Neostigmine is a medication that helps improve muscle strength in certain conditions.
What it treats
- myasthenia gravis (a condition causing weakness in muscles)
- postoperative urinary retention (difficulty urinating after surgery)
How it works
Neostigmine works by increasing the levels of a certain chemical in the body that helps muscles function better.
Who it's for
This medicine is for people with muscle weakness conditions or those who have trouble urinating after surgery.
Cautions
- • Be careful if taking other medications that can slow your heart rate.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: metilsufate
Metilsufate, also known as methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), is an organic sulfur-containing compound commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, often employed in the management of osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. MSM is believed to contribute to joint health and improve physical function.
Indications
- Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Inflammatory conditions
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific product guidelines or consult a healthcare professional for dosing recommendations.
Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines or consult a healthcare professional for dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
The precise mechanism of action of metilsufate is not fully understood. However, it is thought to exert its effects by influencing the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, which are essential components of cartilage. Additionally, MSM may modulate inflammatory processes by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing antioxidant defenses.
Pharmacodynamics
Metilsufate exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which may be mediated through its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It is believed to work by stabilizing cell membranes and improving the permeability of tissues, leading to enhanced recovery in inflammatory conditions. Studies suggest that it may help alleviate pain and improve function in individuals with joint problems.
Pharmacokinetics
Metilsufate is generally well absorbed when ingested orally. It is distributed throughout the body, with a focus on connective tissues such as cartilage and skin. The compound is metabolized in the liver, and its metabolites are excreted predominantly through urine. The half-life of MSM is variable, depending on individual metabolism and dosage.
Pregnancy
There is insufficient data on the use of metilsufate in pregnant women. Caution is advised and it should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether metilsufate is excreted in human milk. Caution is recommended when administering to breastfeeding women.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: Neostigmine
BNF-referencedNeostigmine is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor that enhances the action of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions. It is primarily used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and to reverse the effects of certain muscle relaxants. Neostigmine does not cross the blood-brain barrier, which limits its central nervous system effects, making it suitable for peripheral applications in muscle contraction enhancement.
Indications
- Myasthenia gravis
- Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
- Reversal of neuromuscular blockade from muscle relaxants (e.g., gallamine, tubocurarine)
Dosage
Children: Child 1 month–5 years
Adults: Initially, 1-2 mg, then 1-5 mg every 4 hours, given 30 minutes before meals.
Mechanism of action
Neostigmine acts as a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, leading to increased concentrations of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This inhibition promotes increased stimulation of both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, facilitating enhanced muscle contraction. The accumulation of acetylcholine occurs at sites of cholinergic transmission, thereby improving neuromuscular transmission in conditions like myasthenia gravis.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacological effects of neostigmine are attributed to the prevention of hydrolysis of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase at cholinergic synapses. This results in enhanced neuromuscular transmission, improved muscle strength, and reversal of neuromuscular blockade caused by certain competitive neuromuscular relaxants. Neostigmine is particularly effective in conditions where there is a deficiency of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, such as myasthenia gravis.
Pharmacokinetics
Neostigmine is administered via oral or parenteral routes and displays a rapid onset of action. The drug is not significantly metabolized in the liver and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Its duration of action generally lasts from 2 to 4 hours, necessitating multiple doses throughout the day for sustained therapeutic effect. Neostigmine's poor penetration across the blood-brain barrier limits its central effects, focusing its action mainly on peripheral sites.
Contra-indications
- Intestinal obstruction
- Urinary obstruction
Adverse effects
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Excessive tearing
- Hypersalivation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bronchoconstriction
- Increased bronchial secretions
- Lacrimation
- Excessive sweating
- Involuntary defaecation
- Involuntary micturition
- Miosis
- Nystagmus
- Bradycardia
- Heart block
- Arrhythmias
- Hypotension
- Agitation
- Excessive dreaming
- Weakness
- Fasciculation
- Paralysis
Interactions
- Aminoglycosides may decrease the effects of neostigmine
Precautions
- Caution in patients with arrhythmias
- Asthma (extreme caution)
- Epilepsy
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypotension
- Parkinsonism
- Peptic ulceration
- Recent myocardial infarction
- Vagotonia
- Elderly patients may be at increased risk of adverse effects
- Close monitoring in renal impairment
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises to avoid use due to potential toxicity in animal studies.
Breast-feeding
Amount probably too small to be harmful, but avoid use.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2–8 °C); may be stored (in the original carton, protected from light) at or below 30 °C for up to 14 days.
Formulations
- Neostigmine methylsulfate injection
- Oral tablets
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Neostigmine
PubChem CID 4456Molecular formula: C12H19N2O2+
Mechanism of action
Neostigmine is a parasympathomimetic, specifically, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. The drug inhibits acetylcholinesterase which is responsible for the degredation of acetylcholine. So, with acetylcholinesterase inhibited, more acetylcholine is present By interfering with the breakdown of acetylcholine, neostigmine indirectly stimulates both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors which are involved in muscle contraction.. It does not cross the blood-brain barrier. ...PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ANTICHOLINESTERASE AGENTS ARE DUE PRIMARILY TO PREVENTION OF HYDROLYSIS OF ACH /ACETYLCHOLINE/ BY ACHE /ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE/ AT SITES OF CHOLINERGIC TRANSMISSION. TRANSMITTER THUS ACCUMULATES, AND THE ACTION OF ACH /ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE/ THAT IS LIBERATED BY CHOLINERGIC IMPULSES OR THAT LEAKS FROM THE NERVE ENDING IS ENHANCED. Neostigmine increased both miniature end-plate potential and end-plate potential amplitudes but did not affect quantal content in isolated frog sciatic nerve-Sartorius muscle prepn. This suggests that cholinesterase inhibition was the only effect. Long term (24-96 hr) treatment of a mouse-derived myogenic cell line (G8) with neostigmine markedly reduced binding of alpha-bungarotoxin (alpha-BuTx) to these cells. Protein synthesis in these cultures was markedly reduced and cell morphology degenerated. Myotubes maintained slightly hyperpolarized resting membrane potentials, and were able to respond to iontophoretic acetylcholine (Ach) application with overshooting action potentials. Degenerative changes at the neuromuscular junction associated with chronic neostigmine treatment in vivo are probably due to a direct action of the anticholinesterase on the muscle, rather than to altered intracleft ACh levels or to presynaptic effects of the anticholinesterase. The intraluminal probe mounted with 2 electrode-strain gauge pairs, 4 cm apart, was used to study the effect of a neutral interview, a stressful interview, a meal (478.7 cal) and neostigmine (0.5 mg, im) on the contractile electrical complex, continuous electrical response activity and their associated contractions in 17 normal subjects. Neostigmine resulted in an incr in contractile electric complex & continuous electric response activity indexes 5-10 and 25-30 min after the injection, respectively. Both the meal and neostigmine incr the percentage of propagated contractile electric complexes during all of the recording periods.
Pharmacodynamics
Neostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and to reverse the effects of muscle relaxants such as gallamine and tubocurarine. Neostigmine, unlike physostigmine, does not cross the blood-brain barrier. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, more acetylcholine is available in the synapse, therefore, more of it can bind to the fewer receptors present in myasthenia gravis and can better trigger muscular contraction.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
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