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Pronunciation |
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(am
be NOE nee
um) |
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U.S. Brand
Names |
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Mytelase®
Caplets® |
|
|
Generic
Available |
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No |
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Synonyms |
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Ambenonium Chloride |
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|
Pharmacological Index |
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Cholinergic Agonist |
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|
Use |
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Treatment of myasthenia gravis |
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Pregnancy Risk
Factor |
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C |
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Contraindications |
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Routine administration of atropine or other belladonna alkaloids with
ambenonium is contraindicated because they may suppress the muscarinic symptoms
of excessive gastrointestinal stimulation, leaving only the more serious
symptoms of muscle fasciculations and paralysis as signs of overdosage; should
not be administered to patients receiving mecamylamine |
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Warnings/Precautions |
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Prolonged action after cholinergics, drug should be discontinued until the
patient is stabilized. Use with caution in patients with asthma, epilepsy,
bradycardia, hyperthyroidism, or peptic ulcer. Differentiation of
cholinergic/myasthenia crisis is critical, use edrophonium and clinical
judgment. Anticholinergic insensitivity may develop for brief or prolonged
periods. Reduce or withhold dosages until the patient becomes sensitive again.
May require respiratory support. |
|
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Adverse
Reactions |
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>10%:
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, mouth watering, nausea, stomach cramps
Miscellaneous: Increased diaphoresis
1% to 10%:
Genitourinary: Urge to urinate
Ocular: Small pupils, lacrimation
Respiratory: Increased bronchial secretions, laryngospasm
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Overdosage/Toxicology |
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Have atropine on hand to reverse cholinergic crisis or hypersensitivity
reaction. |
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Usual Dosage |
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Adults: Oral: 5-25 mg 3-4 times/day |
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Mental Health: Effects
on Mental Status |
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May produce drowsiness |
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Mental Health:
Effects on Psychiatric
Treatment |
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None reported; the cholinergic effects may counteract the anticholinergic
effects of psychotropics |
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Dental Health: Local
Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor
Precautions |
|
No information available to require special precautions |
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Dental Health:
Effects on Dental Treatment |
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Increased salivation |
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Patient
Information |
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This drug will not cure myasthenia gravis, but it may reduce the symptoms.
Use as directed; do not increase dose or discontinue without consulting
prescriber. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed
to restrict fluid intake). May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or postural
hypotension (rise slowly from sitting or lying position and use caution when
driving or climbing stairs); vomiting or loss of appetite (frequent small meals,
frequent mouth care, sucking lozenges, or chewing gum may help); or diarrhea
(boiled milk, yogurt, or buttermilk may help). Report persistent abdominal
discomfort; significantly increased salivation, sweating, tearing, or urination;
flushed skin; chest pain or palpitations; acute headache; unresolved diarrhea;
excessive fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, or depression; increased muscle, joint,
or body pain; vision changes or blurred vision; or shortness of breath or
wheezing. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you
are or intend to be pregnant. Breast-feeding is not
recommended. |
|
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Nursing
Implications |
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Have atropine ready to combat hypercholinergic response; have epinephrine
ready to combat anaphylaxis |
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Dosage Forms |
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Tablet, as chloride: 10 mg |
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