FDA
Neostigmine Methylsulfate
The FDA lists this product in 39 strengths and forms.
Indications
Neostigmine methylsulfate injection is a cholinesterase inhibitor indicated for the reversal of the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents after surgery. Neostigmine methylsulfate injection, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is indicated for the reversal of the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) after surgery (1) .
Contraindications
Neostigmine methylsulfate injection is contraindicated in patients with:
- known hypersensitivity to neostigmine methylsulfate (known hypersensitivity reactions have included urticaria, angioedema, erythema multiforme, generalized rash, facial swelling, peripheral edema, pyrexia, flushing, hypotension, bronchospasm, bradycardia and anaphylaxis).
- peritonitis or mechanical obstruction of the intestinal or urinary tract.
- Hypersensitivity to neostigmine (4)
- Peritonitis or mechanical obstruction of the intestinal or urinary tract (4)
Warnings and precautions
- Bradycardia: Atropine or glycopyrrolate should be administered prior to neostigmine methylsulfate injection to lessen risk of bradycardia. ( 5.1 )
- Serious Reactions with Coexisting Conditions: Use with caution in patients with, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, recent acute coronary syndrome or myasthenia gravis. ( 5.2 )
- Neuromuscular Dysfunction: Can occur if large doses of neostigmine methylsulfate injection are administered when neuromuscular blockade is minimal; reduce dose if recovery from neuromuscular blockade is nearly complete. ( 5.4 ) 5.1. Bradycardia Neostigmine has been associated with bradycardia. Atropine sulfate or glycopyrrolate should be administered prior to neostigmine methylsulfate injection to lessen the risk of bradycardia [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4) ]. 5.2. Serious Adverse Reactions in Patients with Certain Coexisting Conditions Neostigmine methylsulfate injection should be used with caution in patients with coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, recent acute coronary syndrome or myasthenia gravis. Because of the known pharmacology of neostigmine methylsulfate as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, cardiovascular effects such as bradycardia, hypotension or dysrhythmia would be anticipated. In patients with certain cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias or recent acute coronary syndrome, the risk of blood pressure and heart rate complications may be increased. Risk of these complications may also be increased in patients with myasthenia gravis. Standard antagonism with anticholinergics (e.g., atropine) is generally successful to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular complications. 5.3. Hypersensitivity Because of the possibility of hypersensitivity, atropine and medications to treat anaphylaxis should be readily available. 5.4. Neuromuscular Dysfunction Large doses of neostigmine methylsulfate injection administered when neuromuscular blockade is minimal can produce neuromuscular dysfunction. The dose of neostigmine methylsulfate injection should be reduced if recovery from neuromuscular blockade is nearly complete. 5.5. Cholinergic Crisis It is important to differentiate between myasthenic crisis and cholinergic crisis caused by overdosage of neostigmine methylsulfate injection. Both conditions result in extreme muscle weakness but require radically different treatment. [see Overdosage ( 10 )]



