Neostigmine is a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE; K
d = 260 μM).
1 In a rat model of knee joint inflammation, intrathecal administration of neostigmine (2-30 μg) increases endogenous acetylcholine levels and dose-dependently increases the latency of paw withdrawal in response to thermal and mechanical stimuli (ED
50s = 6.6 and 3.5 μg, respectively).
2 Neostigmine (5 μg, i.p.) restores muscle action potentials in mice with a thymopoietin-induced neuromuscular block.
3 Formulations containing neostigmine have been used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and Ogilvie syndrome.