Overview
DESCRIPTION Physostigmine Salicylate Injection is a derivative of the Calabar bean, and its active moiety, physostigmine, is also known as eserine. Its chemical structure is: It is soluble in water and a 0.5% aqueous solution has a pH of 5.8. Physostigmine Salicylate Injection is available in 2 mL ampules, each mL containing 1 mg of Physostigmine Salicylate in a vehicle composed of sodium...
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Physostigmine Salicylate Injection is a reversible anticholinesterase which effectively increases the concentration of acetylcholine at the sites of cholinergic transmission. The action of acetylcholine is normally very transient because of its hydrolysis by the enzyme, acetylcholinesterase. Physostigmine Salicylate Injection inhibits the destructive action of acetylcholinesterase and thereby prolongs and exaggerates the effect of the acetylcholine. Physostigmine Salicylate Injection contains a tertiary amine and easily penetrates the blood brain barrier, while an anticholinesterase, such as neostigmine, which has a quaternary ammonium ion is not capable of crossing the barrier.
Indications
- INDICATIONS & USAGE To reverse the effect upon the central nervous system, caused by clinical or toxic dosages of drugs capable of producing the anticholinergic syndrome.
Common Doses
- 1.0 mg
- 1 MG
- 0.02 mg
- 0.5 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Past Anesthesia Care: 0.5 to 1.0 mg intramuscularly or intravenously. INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE AT A SLOW CONTROLLED RATE OF NO MORE THAN 1 MG PER MINUTE. Dosage may be repeated at intervals of 10 to 30 minutes if desired patient response is not obtained. PEDIATRIC DOSAGE Recommended dosage is 0.02 mg/kg; intramuscularly or by slow intravenous injection, no more than 0.5 mg per minute.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Physostigmine Salicylate Injection should not be used in the presence of asthma, gangrene, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mechanical obstruction of the intestine or urogenital tract or any vagotonic state, and in patients receiving choline esters and depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (decamethonium, succinylcholine). For post-anesthesia, the concomitant use of atropine with physostigmine salicylate is not recommended, since the atropine antagonizes the action of physostigmine.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Nausea, vomiting and salivation; can be offset by reducing dosage. Bradycardia and convulsions, if intravenous administration is too rapid. See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.