|  | Conditions Treatments | Diseases

The Effects of Drinking While Taking Mestinon

Mestinon treats muscle weakness in persons with the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis, as well as orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure that occurs when a person stands up. Consuming alcoholic beverages while taking Mestinon could result in an increase in the drug's effects, most notably drowsiness.

  1. History

    • Valeant Pharmaceuticals produces Mestinon, the brand name of the drug pyridostigmine bromide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Mestinon for treatment of myasthenia gravis in 1955, according to Drugs.com.

    Function

    • Mestinon works as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down a chemical messenger in the body--released by neurons to stimulate other neurons and muscle cells--called acetylcholine. If acetylcholinesterase doesn't break down this messenger, it prolongs the stimulation of muscle cells and neurons, increasing muscle contraction. Alcohol also inhibits acetylcholinesterase.

    Drug Interactions

    • Other drugs may alter the effectiveness of Mestinon. Drugs.com suggests patients inform their doctor if taking one of the following medications: atropine, belladonna, Quarzan, Bentyl, Robinul, Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, Cantil, Provocholine, Pamine, Pro-Banthine, Transderm-Scop, antibiotics such as neomycin, kanamycin or streptomycin, or heart rhythm medications.

    Other Uses

    • Gulf War soldiers received pyridostigmine to prevent the toxicity of nerve gases, according to a 1994 report by the National Institutes of Health. Most nerve gases act as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, but bind irreversibly to the enzyme. Mestinon inhibition of the enzyme is reversible, and would protect a significant fraction of the enzyme during exposure to nerve gas.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects of Mestinon include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, increased salivation and tearing, and increased bronchial secretion. It also may cause muscle twitching and muscle cramps. Mestinon has been implicated in the symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome; however, the 1994 NIH report concluded that significant toxicity was not observed in U.S. forces.

Diseases - Related Articles