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Edrophonium Chloride - Learn about Edrophonium Chloride Side Effects and Precautions

Edrophonium Chloride Information

The pharmacology action of Edrophonium Chloride is that it facilitates myoneural junction impulse transmission by inhibiting acetylcholine destruction by cholinesterase

Edrophonium Chloride is used in differential diagnosis of myasthenia gravis; adjunct in evaluating treatment of myasthenia gravis; evaluation of emergency treatment of myasthenic crises; reversal of neuromuscular blockade by curare gallamine or tubocurarine; treatment of respiratory depression caused by curare overdose.

Interaction and Contraindication of Edrophonium Chloride

Interaction of Edrophonium Chloride - Corticosteroids:  May antagonize anticholinesterases in myasthenia gravis, producing profound muscular depression.
Succinylcholine:  Neuromuscular blockade produced by succinylcholine may be either prolonged or antagonized.

Contraindication of Edrophonium Chloride - Hypersensitivity to anticholinesterases; mechanical intestinal and urinary obstruction

Side Effects of Edrophonium Chloride

Here are the list of some common side effects of Edrophonium Chloride :

• Arrhythmia (especially bradycardia); hypotension; tachycardia; atrioventricular block; nodal rhythm; non-specific ECG changes; cardiac arrest; syncope.
• Convulsions; dysarthria; dysphonia; dizziness; loss of consciousness; drowsiness; headache.
• Lacrimation; miosis; spasm of accommodation; diplopia; conjunctival hyperemia; visual changes.
• Increased salivary, gastric and intestinal secretions; nausea; vomiting; dysphagia; increased peristalsis; diarrhea; abdominal cramps; flatulence
• Increased tracheobronchial secretions; laryngospasm; bronchiolar constriction; respiratory paralysis; dyspnea; respiratory depression; respiratory arrest; bronchospasm
• Allergy and anaphylaxis; weakness; fasciculations; muscle cramps and spasms; arthralgia; diaphoresis

Precaution and Warning while taking Edrophonium Chloride

The precaution and warnings of Edrophonium Chloride drug is as follows:

• Teach patient and family name, desired action, method of administration and potential side effects of edrophonium.
• Inform patient that effects of medication last up to 30 min after IM administration.
• Show patient and family how to assess and record changes in muscle strength.
• Advise patient that urinary urgency and frequency and increased GI motility and secretion will occur and should be reported to health care provider.

How to store Edrophonium Chloride

• Given IM or IV only.
• Store at room temperature