Paper I
2018 February (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Edrophonium

Q43 marksShort Notes

Answer

Edrophonium is a short-acting, reversible anticholinesterase.

Mechanism of action

  • Reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase by ionic bonding to the enzyme’s active site — very rapid onset and very short duration of action (2–10 minutes)

Uses

  • Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (Tensilon test) — improvement in muscle strength after IV edrophonium confirms the diagnosis
  • Differentiating myasthenic crisis from cholinergic crisis
  • Reversal of mild non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade

Adverse effects

  • Muscarinic side effects: bradycardia, salivation, bronchospasm
  • Cholinergic crisis if overdosed
  • Atropine kept ready as an antidote for muscarinic side effects during testing

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