Pyridostigmine 15mg / 5ml Suspension

Why is it important for my child to take this medicine?

Pyridostigmine is used to improve muscle strength in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness and tiredness. Pyridostigmine improves the messages between the brain and muscles to strengthen the muscle.

What is Pyridostigmine available as?

Pyridostigmine is used to improve muscle strength in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness and tiredness. Pyridostigmine improves the messages between the brain and muscles to strengthen the muscle.

When should I give Pyridostigmine?

Pyridostigmine should be given half to one hour before food. This will allow enough time for the drug to exert its effect and help strengthen muscles to aid with feeding. It is given up to six times a day.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child suffers from any of the following:

• Asthma or chronic cough
• Heart block or any other heart condition
• Low blood pressure
• Epilepsy
• Kidney dysfunction or disease

How much should I give?

Your doctor will work out the amount of Pyridostigmine suspension / tablets (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose and frequency (how often it is to be given) will be shown on the medicine label. Usually doses are increased over time, according to how your child responds.

How should I give it?

Before measuring a dose of the suspension, shake the bottle vigorously. Alder Hey will provide medicine spoons or oral syringes which will be marked depending on the dose. Do not use kitchen teaspoons as they will provide the incorrect dose.

When should the medicine start working?

You should see the effects of the medicine between 30 minutes and two hours of giving it to your child. To ensure it continues to work effectively it should be administered regularly throughout the day, as directed by your doctor.

What if my child is sick (vomits)?

If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of pyridostigmine, give them the same dose again.

If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of pyridostigmine, you do not need to give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.

What if I forget to give it?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If you remember at the time the next dose is due, take only that dose. Omit the missed dose. Do not double dose, and continue dosing as normal. If you miss more than a single dose at a time, contact your doctor for advice.

What if I give too much?

If you think you may have given your child too much Pyridostigmine suspension, contact your doctor or NHS Direct (on 111). Take the medicine container or packet with you, even if it is empty, as this will be useful to the doctor. Have the medicine packet with you if you telephone for advice.

Are there any possible side effects?

Like all medicines, pyridostigmine suspension can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Pryridostigmine may cause your child to feel sick, have diarrhoea, stomach cramps and increase saliva stimulation. If you are concerned about any of these side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can other medicines be given at the same time as Pryridostigmine?

Tell your doctor / pharmacist if your child is taking any medication, including over the counter medicines.

You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.

is important to tell your doctor if your child is taking any of the following;

• Immunosuppressant medicines
• Muscle relaxants
• Antimuscarinic medicines

Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?

Store pyridostigmine suspension in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep the medicine in the container it came in.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.

General advice about medicines

• Only give this medicine to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm.
• If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor straight away.
• Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Order a new prescription at least 2 weeks before you will run out.
• Make sure that the medicine you have at home has not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.
• This leaflet should be read with any manufacturers’ patient information. You must always discuss individual treatment with the appropriate member of staff.

How do I get further supplies of Pryridostigmine?

If you think you will run out of medication before your next appointment you will need to contact your specialist for a repeat prescription.

If you have any problems contact the Pharmacy Department.

Who to contact for further details

If you have any questions about your medication whilst you are in hospital, please do not hesitate to ask one of the Pharmacy team, alternatively you can telephone us on 0151 252 5311.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG: M5