Edrophonium is a medication that is used to diagnose and treat certain conditions affecting the muscles and nerves, particularly myasthenia gravis.
Brand names for edrophonium include Tensilon and Enlon.
Edrophonium works by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in muscle movement. This leads to an increase in the amount of acetylcholine available, which can improve muscle function in conditions such as myasthenia gravis.
Some common side effects of edrophonium include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sweating, flushing, and blurred vision. These side effects usually go away on their own shortly after the medication is stopped. Rare but serious side effects include seizures, irregular heartbeats, and severe allergic reactions.
Edrophonium is usually given as an injection into a vein (intravenous) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinical setting. The dose and duration of treatment will depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s individual response to the medication.
It is important to note that edrophonium should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare provider, as it can cause serious side effects if not used properly.