DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Ambenonium (am-be-NOE-nee-um)
Brand Name: Mytelase

Ambenonium is used for:

Treating myasthenia gravis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ambenonium is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by improving nerve impulses in muscles so that the muscles are better able to work.

Do NOT use Ambenonium if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ambenonium
• you are taking quinine, quinidine, atropine, belladonna, ganglionic blocking agents (eg, mecamylamine), or cholinergic agents (eg, guanidine)
• you have a blockage of your stomach, intestine, or bladder

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ambenonium :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ambenonium . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart problems (eg, heart block, slow heartbeat), Parkinson disease, a urinary tract infection, asthma, or kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ambenonium . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Atropine, belladonna, ganglionic blocking agents (eg, mecamylamine), quinine, or quinidine because effectiveness of Ambenonium may be decreased
• Cholinergic agents (eg, guanidine) because the risk of side effects may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ambenonium may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ambenonium :

Use Ambenonium as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Ambenonium may be taken with or without food. Take with food if it upsets your stomach.
• If you miss a dose of Ambenonium , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ambenonium .

Important safety information:

• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Ambenonium .
• Use Ambenonium with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Ambenonium with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Ambenonium , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Ambenonium during pregnancy. It is unknown if Ambenonium is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Ambenonium .

Possible side effects of Ambenonium :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. When used in small doses, no COMMON side effects have been reported with this product. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; tremor; trouble speaking or swallowing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center ( http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; fainting; increased production of saliva; increased sweating; muscle weakness; nausea; small pupils; stomach cramps; tremor; trouble breathing; trouble speaking or swallowing; vision changes; vomiting; weakness.

Proper storage of Ambenonium :

Store Ambenonium at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ambenonium out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Ambenonium , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Ambenonium is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ambenonium . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.