Pyridostigmine Bromide

Pyridostigmine bromide is a cholinesterase inhibitor with a slightly longer duration of action than neostigmine. It is used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and to reverse the actions of muscle relaxants.
Pyridostigmine bromide is the bromide salt form of pyridostigmine, a quaternary ammonium carbamate derivative & an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Pyridostigmine bromide binds reversibly to acetylcholine- sterase active sites in the peripheral nervous system, thereby preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine. This leads to an accumu- lation of acetylcholine at cholinergic synapses and facilitates transmission of impulses across the neuromuscular junction. Mediated through muscarinic receptors, this agent increases contraction of bronchial and intestinal smooth muscle and the exocrine glands secretions, while it causes paralysis of the skeletal muscles mediated through nicotinic receptors. In addition,pyridostigmine is used as a reversible blocking agent to prevent organophosphates from binding to the acetylcholinesterase receptors and thereby protect the nervous system from the effects of nerve agents such as soman.