Reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase at the neuromuscular junction, allowing acetylcholine to accumulate and bind nicotinic receptors on skeletal muscle, improving neuromuscular transmission. Used for myasthenia gravis management.
At a glance
Class
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor / Anticholinesterase
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C, protect from moisture; injectable refrigerated
Dosing
Treatment of choice for generalized and focal myasthenia gravis in dogs
Frequency
q8–12h (IR) or q12h (SR)
Feline myasthenia gravis is less common but documented
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Muscle strength (response to Tensilon test if in crisis)Signs of cholinergic toxicity vs. myasthenic weaknessChest radiograph (aspiration pneumonia risk)
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Pyridostigmine?
Pyridostigmine is a acetylcholinesterase inhibitor / anticholinesterase used in pets. Reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase at the neuromuscular junction, allowing acetylcholine to accumulate and bind nicotinic receptors on skeletal muscle, improving neuromuscular transmission. Used for myasthenia gravis management.
›What is Pyridostigmine used for in pets?
Pyridostigmine is used in veterinary medicine for: Treatment of choice for generalized and focal myasthenia gravis in dogs; Feline myasthenia gravis is less common but documented.
›What is the Pyridostigmine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Pyridostigmine is typically dosed as follows — Treatment of choice for generalized and focal myasthenia gravis in dogs: 0.5–3 mg/kg PO q8–12h (IR) or q12h (SR). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Pyridostigmine dose for cats?
For cats, Pyridostigmine is typically dosed as follows — Feline myasthenia gravis is less common but documented: 0.25 mg/kg PO q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Pyridostigmine need a prescription?
Yes. Pyridostigmine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database