Name: Edrophonium (Tensilon)
Class: Anticholinesterase Agent: Choline Analog
Mech.: Combines w/AChE. Competitively prevents interaction of ACh w/AChE.
Absorption:
Dist.: No CNS. Acts mostly at neuromusc sites. Some autonomic action.
Metab.:
Excretion, t½: Brief duration of action (several min.) because binding is rapidly reversible.
Toxicity/S.E.s: Toxic doses first stim. then depress autonomic ganglia, neuromusc. jxns, and central sites. IV— skeletal muscle strength = myasthenic weakness; ¯ strength = cholinergic crisis. Avoid in cases of asthma, coronary insufficiency, peptic ulcers.
Utility: IV—test for myasthenia gravis. Antag. NM blockade of curare-like agents. Treat paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
Special Features: IV ® Non-selective. Stim. cholinergic receptors throughout CNS and PNS. Inhib. AChE and BuChE.