what is neostigmine?

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Answers:
Neostigmine belongs to the group of medicines called anticholinesterases. It works by prolonging the action acetylcholine, which is found naturally in the body. It does this by inhibiting the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholine stimulates a type of receptor called muscarinic receptors. When stimulated, these receptors have a range of effects.

Muscarinic receptors are found throughout the body, especially on muscle. Stimulation of these receptors causes to muscle contraction.

In myasthenia gravis the body's immune system destroys many of the muscarinic receptors, so that the muscle becomes less responsive to nervous stimulation. Neostigmine bromide increases the amount of acetylcholine at the nerve endings. Increased levels of acetyl choline allow the remaining receptors to function more efficiently. This medicine usually restores mucle function to near-normal levels.

What is it used for?

Abnormal muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)

Use with caution in

Asthma

Decreased kidney function

Epilepsy

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Parkinson's disease

People who have recently had a heart attack

Peptic ulcer

Slow heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute (bradycardia)

Not to be used in

Blockage of the gut (intestinal obstruction)

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)

Other Answers:
http://health.yahoo.com

judging by the suffix i guess it's for migraine?
like: ergotamine

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what is neostigmine?

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