Pronunciation:

e-droe-FOE-nee-um

Brand Names:

• Enlon
• Reversol

Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Diagnostic Agent, Myasthenia Gravis

Pharmacologic—

Cholinesterase Inhibitor

Uses of This Medicine:

Edrophonium injection is used to help diagnose myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) and may be used to help select the proper treatment for the disease. It is also used to reverse the effects of certain muscle relaxants (eg, gallamine, tubocurarine) during surgery or after an overdose of the muscle relaxant. Edrophonium is an anticholinesterase agent.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before Using This Medicine:

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.

Children—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of edrophonium injection in children.

Older adults—

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

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.

Other 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.

• Amifampridine
• Bupropion
• Donepezil

Other interactions—

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:

• Allergy to sulfites, history of—May cause severe allergic reactions.

• Asthma or other breathing problems, history of or
• Bradycardia (slow heart beat) or
• Heart rhythm problems—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

• Bladder blockage (unable to urinate) or
• Bowel blockage (unable to have a stool) or
• Kidney blockage (unable to urinate)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

Your doctor will closely check the progress of you or your child while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

The stopper of the vial contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you or your child have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious types of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat while you are receiving this medicine.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

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:

Incidence not known

Chest pain or discomfort

dizziness

fainting

fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

increased frequency of urination

increased sweating

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

loss of bladder control

muscle twitches that are visible under the skin

seizures

slurred speech

trouble breathing

trouble speaking

unusual tiredness

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:

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach cramps

constricted pupils (black part of the eye)

diarrhea

double vision

hoarseness

increased salivation

muscle weakness

nausea

redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids

sore throat

vomiting

watering of the eyes

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.