edrophonium

Edrophonium is a short and rapid-acting anticholinesterase drug classified as a cholinergic muscle stimulant. It acts by reversibly inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, thereby increasing the concentration of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions. This prolongs stimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, resulting in enhanced muscle contraction. Edrophonium is primarily used as a diagnostic agent for myasthenia gravis (notably in the "Tensilon test") and to differentiate between myasthenic crisis and cholinergic crisis. It is also used to reverse non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade after surgery or overdose with certain muscle relaxants such as curare derivatives. The onset of action occurs within 30–60 seconds after injection, with effects lasting about 10–30 minutes[1][4][6]. Due to its brief duration, it is not suitable for maintenance therapy.

Brand names

EnlonReversolTensilon

Other names

edrophonium chloride