Edrophonium (By injection)
e-droe-FOE-nee-um
Used to diagnose myasthenia gravis and help select the proper treatment. Reverses the effect of certain muscle relaxants during surgery or after an overdose. This medicine is an anticholinesterase agent.
Drug classes
Diagnostic Agent, Myasthenia Gravis, Nondepolarizing Muscle Relaxant Antagonist (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Edrophonium injection is used to help diagnose myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) and may be used to help select the proper treatment for the disease. It is also used to reverse the effects of certain muscle relaxants (eg, gallamine, tubocurarine) during surgery or after an overdose of the muscle relaxant. Edrophonium is an anticholinesterase agent.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or a vein.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you also use neostigmine (Prostigmin®) or pyridostigmine (Mestinon®).
When Not To Use
You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to edrophonium, neostigmine, pyridostigmine, or similar medicines. You should not receive this medicine if you have a blockage in your bowels, bladder, or kidneys.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have asthma or other breathing problems, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, or a history of sulfite allergies.
The stopper of the vial contains dry natural rubber, which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, shallow breathing
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Increase in how much or how often you urinate, not being able to control when you urinate
Muscle weakness
Seizures or fainting
Trouble swallowing or speaking
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Increased sweating
Nausea, vomiting, increased saliva, diarrhea, stomach pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Enlon, Reversol
There may be other brand names for this medicine.