Edrophonium injection

What is edrophonium injection?

EDROPHONIUM can test muscle response. It can help to diagnose myasthenia gravis, a disease that affects your muscles. It can also help reverse the effects of certain muscle relaxants used during surgery.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the US.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• difficulty passing urine

• heart disease

• low blood pressure

• over-active thyroid

• stomach obstruction or ulcers

• an unusual or allergic reaction to edrophonium, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Edrophonium is usally injected into a vein. It may also be injected into the muscle or as an injection under the skin. It is only for use by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with edrophonium?

• atropine

• digoxin

• medicines that improve muscle strength or tone for conditions like myasthenia gravis

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking edrophonium?

If side effects occur, they do not usually last for long because the effects of edrophonium are very short-lived.

What side effects may I notice from receiving edrophonium?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness

• difficulty moving

• muscle cramps or spasms

• slow or irregular heartbeat

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• increase in the need to pass urine

• increased saliva

• increased sweating

• nausea

• stomach pain

• unusual weakness or tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused injection solution.