Description
Neostigmine is a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE; K
d = 260 μM). 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). Neostigmine (5 μg, i.p.) restores muscle action potentials in mice with a thymopoietin-induced neuromuscular block. Formulations containing neostigmine have been used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and Ogilvie syndrome.
Chemical Properties
Crystalline Solid
Uses
Cholinergic; miotic; antidote (curare)
Definition
ChEBI: Neostigmine methyl sulfate is an arylammonium sulfate salt. It has a role as an EC 3.1.1.8 (cholinesterase) inhibitor.
brand name
Prostigmine (ICN).
General Description
Neostigmine methylsulfate,(m-hydroxyphenyl)trimethylammonium methylsulfatedimethylcarbamate or the dimethylcarbamic ester of 3-hydroxyphenyltrimethylammoniummethylsulfate (Prostigminmethylsulfate), is a bitter, odorless, white, crystalline powder.It is very soluble in water and soluble in alcohol. Solutionsare stable and can be sterilized by boiling. The compound istoo hygroscopic for use in a solid form and thus is alwaysused as an injection. Aqueous solutions are neutral to litmus.
Clinical Use
The methylsulfate salt is used postoperatively as a urinarystimulant and in the diagnosis and treatment of myastheniagravis.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the sulfate from EtOH or Me2CO (m 143-144o). Its solubility in H2O is ~10%. [Beilstein 13 III 939.] (It is cholinergic and highly TOXIC.)
