Mestinon is used for:
Treating myasthenia gravis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Mestinon is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by improving nerve impulses in muscles so that the muscles are better able to work.
Do NOT use Mestinon if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Mestinon
• you are taking quinine or quinidine
• you have a stomach, intestinal, or urinary blockage
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Mestinon:
Some medical conditions may interact with Mestinon. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart problems (eg, heart block, slow heartbeat), a urinary tract infection, asthma, or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Mestinon. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Quinine or quinidine because effectiveness of Mestinon may be decreased
• Succinylcholine because actions and side effects may be increased by Mestinon
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Mestinon may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Mestinon:
Use Mestinon as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Mestinon may be taken with or without food. Take with food if it upsets your stomach.
• If you miss a dose of Mestinon, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Mestinon.
Important safety information:
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Mestinon.
• Use Mestinon with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Mestinon, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Mestinon during pregnancy. Mestinon is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Mestinon, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Mestinon:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; trouble breathing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Proper storage of Mestinon:
Store Mestinon between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Mestinon out of the reach of children and away from pets.