Pyridostigmine is a parasympathomimetic and a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. It is poorly absorbed in the gut and doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier.

Clinical uses

Pyridostigmine is used to treat muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis and to combat the effects of curariform drug toxicity. It also has a military use as a nerve gas antidote (it has been used in particular during the first Gulf War).

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

• Brenner, G. M. (2000). Pharmacology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0721677576
• Canadian Pharmacists Association (2000). Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (25th ed.). Toronto, ON: Webcom. ISBN 0919115764