Distigmine Bromide - Oral

Distigmine bromide is used to treat myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder).

This medicine may also be used to treat constipation and megacolon (abnormal widening of the large intestines).

Distigmine bromide may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Distigmine bromide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Distigmine bromide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• stomach or bowel problems e.g. blocked stomach or bowel, stomach ulcer, inflammation of the small intestine, hyperacidity (high stomach acid), increased movement of food in the digestive system
• blocked urinary tract
• excessive salivation
• heart problems e.g. recent heart attack, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), slow or irregular heartbeat, heart block
• severe low blood pressure
• Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• tetany (involuntary muscle spasms due to electrolyte imbalance)
• myotonia (a rare inherited disease in which the muscles are unable to relax immediately after movement or contraction)
• severe vagotonia (overactivity of nerve causing slowed heartbeat, decreased heart output, and fainting)
• iritis (inflammation of the iris, the coloured part of the eye)
• asthma
• thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormones in the blood)
• circulatory crisis (severe condition where the blood vessels fail to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients)

as Distigmine bromide may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• overactive thyroid gland
• recent bladder or bowel surgery

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Distigmine bromide may cause disturbances in vision and impaired alertness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, excess salivation, sweating, loss of bladder control, and slow heartbeat.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• slowed or abnormal heartbeat
• chest pain
• symptoms of cholinergic crisis such as nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• certain medicines for high blood pressure e.g. metoprolol
• certain antibiotics e.g. neomycin, streptomycin, kanamycin
• corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines)
• dipyridamole (blood-thinning medicine)
• suxamethonium chloride (medicine used for blocking pain and sensation, and relaxing the muscles during surgery)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Distigmine bromide.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.