Enlon (Injection)

Edrophonium injection is used to help diagnose myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) and may be used to choose the right treatment for the disease. It is also used to reverse the effects of certain muscle relaxants (for example, gallamine, tubocurarine) during surgery or after an overdose of the muscle relaxant. Edrophonium is an anticholinesterase agent.

This medicine is to be given only by a doctor or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Your doctor will closely monitor you or your child while you are taking this medicine. This will help your doctor see if the medicine is effective and decide whether you should continue to take it.

The stopper of the vial contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Inform your doctor if you or your child have a latex allergy before starting this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Notify your doctor or nurse right away if you experience itching, hoarseness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat while receiving this medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, it's important to consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, please consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies conducted so far have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of edrophonium injection in children.

Geriatric

There is no information available regarding how age may affect the use of edrophonium injection in older patients.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies on the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if there is a chance of interaction. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. When receiving this medicine, it is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the following medicines. The interactions listed below are based on their potential importance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or frequency of use for one or both medicines.

• Amifampridine
• Bupropion
• Donepezil

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may influence the use of this medicine. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Allergy to sulfites, history of—May cause severe allergic reactions.

• Asthma or other breathing problems, history of or
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate) or
• Heart rhythm problems—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

• Bladder blockage (unable to urinate) or
• Bowel blockage (unable to have a stool) or
• Kidney blockage (unable to urinate)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might require medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Chest pain or discomfort
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• increased frequency of urination
• increased sweating
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• loss of bladder control
• muscle twitches that are visible under the skin
• seizures
• slurred speech
• trouble breathing
• trouble speaking
• unusual tiredness

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also suggest ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Abdominal or stomach cramps
• constricted pupils (black part of the eye)
• diarrhea
• double vision
• hoarseness
• increased salivation
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• redness of the white part of the eyes or inside of the eyelids
• sore throat
• vomiting
• watering of the eyes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Enlon
• Reversol

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Myasthenia Gravis

Pharmacologic Class: Cholinesterase Inhibitor

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or into a vein.