International generic name

Aminopyridine

Drug form and composition

Solution for injection. One ampoule of 2 ml contains 7.2 mg of Aminopyridine hydrochloride (3,6 mg / 1 ml).

Indications

For elimination of the neuromuscular block, as an antagonist of the no depolarizing muscle relaxants, as a component in the complex treatment of the Eaton-Lambert’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and myasthenia gravis. For ionophoresis in physiotherapy in the treatment of neuralgia and neuritis of traumatic, infectious, and toxic origin.

Dosage and administration

Pymadin is used as a slow injections or infusions with a rate of 0.25 mg/kg/h. In patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, Pymadin can be administered intramuscularly in a dose of 20 mg, bid. In patients with myasthenia gravis, the recommended dose is 10 to 20 mg /24 hours, intravenously. For the elimination of the neuromuscular block Pymadin is injected slowly intravenously in a dose of 30 mg (divided in 3 doses given in every 5 minutes intervals).

Contraindications

Pymadin is not used in conditions associated with an increased neuromuscular excitability, severe liver or kidney diseases, hypersensitivity to this drug.

Special warnings and precautions

When the drug is used for the aims of decurarization in cases with bradicardia, atropin should be given. In pregnant and breast-feeding women, Pymadin is used with caution, in cases when the expected benefit exceeds the possible risk for the fetus or the newborn. Because of the narrow therapeutic range of Pymadin a strict monitoring and cautious increase in dosage are necessary. For reduction of the risk associated with the high doses concurrent administration of anticonvulsants is recommended.

Drug interactions

Pymadin has an antagonizing action to the ganglioblockers and to the oppressive action on the CNS by the inhalation anesthetics. Concurrent administration with galantamin leads to potentiation of the anti-curare action (particularly in cases of intravenous infusion).

Adverse reactions

Headache, tremor; increased excitability, paresthesias; nausea; dry mouth; blood pressure elevation; diaphoresis; and rarely allergic reactions can be observed in higher doses.

Pharmacological mechanisms

By means of blocking the calcium channels of the cells Pymadin leads to: increased acetylcholine release in the neuromuscular synapse (in the central and the peripheral nervous system); increased sensitivity of the N-choline receptors in the striated muscle to acetylcholine; augmentation of contractility of the skeletal muscle. The central effects of Pymadin represent irritation of the respiratory and the vasomotor center. The blood pressure elevation is a result of the excitation of the vasomotor center and norepinephrine liberation by the sympathetic nerve ends in the arterial vessel smooth muscle. The peripheral effects of this drug represent an augmentation of neuromuscular transmission and hypertension. Pymadin possesses no anticholinesterase activity.

Supplied

10 or 100 ampoules of 2 ml (7.2 mg).

Expiry

2 years