Antirex
Antirex - General Information
A rapid-onset, short-acting cholinesterase inhibitor used in cardiac arrhythmias and in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. It has also been used as an antidote to curare principles.
Pharmacology of Antirex
Antirex is a short and rapid-acting anticholinesterase drug. Its effect is manifest within 30 to 60 seconds after injection and lasts an average of 10 minutes. Antirex's pharmacologic action is due primarily to the inhibition or inactivation of acetylcholinesterase at sites of cholinergic transmission. Muscarinic receptors are found throughout the body, especially on muscle. Stimulation of these receptors causes to muscle contraction. In myasthenia gravis the body's immune system destroys many of the muscarinic receptors, so that the muscle becomes less responsive to nervous stimulation. Antirex chloride increases the amount of acetylcholine at the nerve endings. Increased levels of acetyl choline allow the remaining receptors to function more efficiently.
Antirex for patients
Antirex Interactions
Care should be given when administering this drug to patients with symptoms of myasthenic weakness who are also on anticholinesterase drugs. Since symptoms of anticholinesterase overdose (cholinergic crisis) may mimic underdosage (myasthenic weakness), their condition may be worsened by the use of this drug.
Antirex Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to anticholinesterase agents; intestinal and urinary obstructions of mechanical type.
Additional information about Antirex
Antirex Indication: For the differential diagnosis of myasthenia gravis and as an adjunct in the evaluation of treatment requirements in this disease. It may also be used for evaluating emergency treatment in myasthenic crises.
Mechanism Of Action: Antirex works by prolonging the action acetylcholine, which is found naturally in the body. It does this by inhibiting the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholine stimulates a type of receptor called muscarinic receptors. When stimulated, these receptors have a range of effects.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Edrophonium
Synonyms: EDR; Edrophone Chloride; Edrophonium Chloride; Edrophonium Ion; Edrophonum
Drug Category: Antidotes; Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Edrophonium: Antirex; Enlon; Enlon Plus; Reversol; Tensilon; Tensilon chloride;
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed.
Toxicity (Overdose): With drugs of this type, muscarine-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, increased bronchial and salivary secretions and bradycardia) often appear with overdosage (cholinergic crisis).
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Distribution half-life is 7 to 12 minutes. Elimination half-life is 33 to 110 minutes.
Dosage Forms of Antirex: Liquid Intravenous
Liquid Intramuscular
Chemical IUPAC Name: ethyl-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-dimethylazanium
Chemical Formula: C10H16NO+
Edrophonium on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edrophonium
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
