Neostigmine Methylsulfate
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some of the common questions people ask about Neostigmine Injection. It does not contain all the information that is known about Neostigmine Injection.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor will have weighed the risks of you being given Neostigmine Injection against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet.
You may need to read it again.
What Neostigmine is for
Neostigmine Injection increases movement of the muscles in the body.
It can be used:
to reverse the effects of medicines which are used to stop muscles moving;
to activate the muscles in the bladder, stomach and intestines following surgery;
for myasthenia gravis.
Neostigmine Injection is known as a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by stopping a chemical called acetylcholine, which stimulates muscle movement, from breaking down.
Your doctor will have explained why you are being treated with Neostigmine Injection.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for another use. Ask your doctor if you want more information.
Neostigmine Injection is not addictive.
Before you are given Neostigmine
You may already have been given Neostigmine Injection. Your doctor will have considered the situation carefully and decided to use it. However, if any of the following applies to you, tell your doctor immediately.
When you must not use it
You should not be given Neostigmine Injection if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor says so. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits involved.
It may make your baby arrive early if you are given it in the last weeks before your baby is due.
Your baby can take in very small amounts of Neostigmine Injection from breast milk if you are breastfeeding.
You must not be given Neostigmine Injection if:
you are sensitive to neostigmine
have an allergy to any ingredient listed at the end of this leaflet or any other related medicines.
If you have an allergic reaction, you may get a skin rash, hayfever, asthma or feel faint.
You should not be given Neostigmine Injection if you have the following medical conditions:
blockage of the intestines or urinary tract
peritonitis
Neostigmine Injection will only be used if the solution is clear, the package is undamaged and the use by (expiry) date marked on the pack has not been passed.
Before you are given it
You must tell your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions:
recent surgery involving the intestine or bladder
other intestinal or bladder problems
asthma
heart disease or other heart problems
epilepsy
low blood pressure
Parkinson's disease
stomach ulcer
kidney problems
Addison's disease
an overactive thyroid gland
It may not be safe for you to be given Neostigmine Injection if you have any of these conditions.
Taking other medicines
You must tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy at the chemist, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Neostigmine Injection may interfere with each other. These include:
corticosteroids
atropine
antibiotics
medicine for heart problems including beta-blockers
lithium
chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine
quinine
These medicines may affect the way Neostigmine Injection works.
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell them before you are given any Neostigmine.
How Neostigmine Injection is given
Neostigmine Injection will be given to you by injection by a doctor or a specially trained nurse.
It may be given just under the skin, into a muscle, or directly into the bloodstream. The dose you will be given will be carefully worked out depending on the procedure, and your body weight.
Overdose
The doctor or nurse giving you Neostigmine Injection will be experienced in its use, so it is extremely unlikely that you will be given too much.
However, the first signs of overdose can be nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, sweating, increased saliva and changes in heart rate.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are be given Neostigmine Injection.
Neostigmine Injection helps most people with muscle weakness but may have unwanted side-effects in a few people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
nausea and vomiting
diarrhoea
stomach cramps or flatulence
involuntary urination or defecation
sweating
increased saliva or mucous production
faintness, dizziness or weakness
changes in vision
muscle cramps or twitching
drowsiness or restlessness
increased secretion of tears from the eyes
headache
slurred speech
agitation or fear
itching
These are all mild side effects of Neostigmine Injection.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately or go to casualty at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:
slowed heart rate or palpitations
shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or wheezing
severe rash
irritation
swollen face
convulsions
These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Some people may get other side effects while being given Neostigmine Injection.
Storage
Neostigmine Injection will be stored by your doctor or pharmacist under the recommended conditions.
It should be kept in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25 degrees C and protected from light.
Disposal
Any Neostigmine Injection which is not used will be disposed of in a safe manner by your doctor or pharmacist.
Product description
Neostigmine Injection is a clear, colourless solution.
It contains neostigmine methylsulfate 0.5 or 2.5 mg/mL as the active ingredient,
plus
Sodium chloride
Monobasic sodium phosphate (E339)
Dibasic sodium phosphate dodecahydrate (E339)
Water for Injections.
Polyamp® DuoFit® ampoules
0.5mg/mL pack of 10
2.5mg/mL pack of 50
