Physostigmine : Therapeutic uses, Clinical uses, Indications, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions, Precautions, Contraindications & Brand names
Physostigmine is a Cholinergic Agonist (Indirect acting/ Anti-cholinesterase agent Reversible), used as miotic agent to treat glaucoma.
Dose : .5-1 mg (Oral/ Parenteral), 0.1-10 % Solution (Opthalmic solution)
Route : Oral/ Parenteral IM, IV, Opthalmic
Plasma half-life : few hours
Duration of action : 4-6 hour (Systemic), 6-24 hour (In the eye)
Bioavailability : ?
Chemical formula : C15H21N3O2
IUPAC name : (3aR,8aS)-1,3a,8-Trimethyl-1H,2H,3H,3aH,8H,8aH-pyrrolo[2,3-b]indol-5-yl N-methylcarbamate
Trade name : Antilirium, Isopto Eserine, Bi-miotic (Opthalmic solution)
Therapeutic uses : Physostigmine has following usage :
- Used as miotic agent to treat glaucoma.
- Used to treat atony of intestine or urinary bladder since it increases intestinal and bladder motility.
- Physostigmine is also used in the treatment of overdoses of drugs with anticholinergic actions, such as atropine, poisoning of Belladona and of Tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines and many antihistarninics having additional anticholinergic property.
Note :- Physostigmine (0.1 %) is used only to supplement pilocarpine.
Side effects : Physostigmine causes following adverse effects :
- The effects of physostigmine on the CNS may lead to convulsions when high doses are used.
- Bradycardia and a fall in cardiac output may also occur.
- Inhibition of AChE at the skeletal NMJ causes the accumulation of ACh and, ultimately, results in paralysis of skeletal muscle. However, these effects are rarely seen with therapeutic doses.
Drug Interactions : Physostigmine may interact with following drugs :
Precautions
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist
- If you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
- Your medical history.
Contraindications
- Contraindicated in persons having a history of a hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reaction to physostigmine.
For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
