Skip to main content

Neostigmine (Injection)

Generic name: neostigmine [ nee-oh-STIG-meen ]
Drug classes: Cholinergic muscle stimulants, Miscellaneous genitourinary tract agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 15, 2024.

Uses for neostigmine

Neostigmine injection is used to treat a muscle disease called myasthenia gravis.

Neostigmine injection is also used to prevent or treat certain kidney or intestinal problems. This medicine is also given after surgery to help reverse the effects of certain types of medicines that have been used to relax the muscles.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using neostigmine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of neostigmine injection in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Bloxiverz™ in children. However, infants and small children may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of neostigmine injection in geriatric patients.

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Bloxiverz™ in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution for patients receiving Bloxiverz™.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of neostigmine

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed into one of your veins, under your skin, or into your muscle.

Detailed Neostigmine dosage information

Precautions while using neostigmine

Your doctor will only give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then you will be switched to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.

Side Effects of neostigmine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of Overdose

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Central Nervous System Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Cholinesterase Inhibitor

Neostigmine side effects (more detail)

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer