Neostigmine Injection

What is this medication?

NEOSTIGMINE (nee oh STIG meen) reverses the effects of medications that relax muscles during a procedure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Bloxiverz, Prostigmin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Asthma
• Heart disease
• Infection in abdomen, such as peritonitis
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• Thyroid disease
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to neostigmine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Certain antibiotics, such as kanamycin, neomycin, streptomycin
• Medications for heart arrhythmias
• Medications that relax muscles
• Medications to cause sleep in surgery or numb pain
• Other medications that improve muscle strength or tone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Increased saliva or tears, increased sweating, stomach cramping, diarrhea, small pupils, unusual weakness or fatigue, slow heartbeat
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Trouble sleeping
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.