Edrophonium
Edrophonium is a short-acting cholinesterase inhibitor used primarily as a diagnostic agent for myasthenia gravis and to reverse neuromuscular blockade after surgery. By increasing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, it temporarily improves muscle strength in patients with myasthenia gravis, helping distinguish it from other conditions.
Edrophonium is a diagnostic cholinesterase inhibitor used to test for myasthenia gravis and reverse neuromuscular blockade.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- V04CX07
- RxNorm
- 3752
- Generic
- Edrophonium
- Class
- atc-v04
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if clearly needed for diagnostic purposes
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to potential uterine stimulation
uterine activity monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
avoid breastfeeding during and after treatment
monitor infant for cholinergic effects
geriatric
elderlyreduce initial dose
use with caution due to increased sensitivity and potential cardiovascular effects
monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12use reduced dose based on weight
limited data available use only in specialized settings
close monitoring for respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose and extend dosing interval
use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment
monitor renal function and cholinergic symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentno specific adjustment required
use with caution as drug may have hepatic metabolism
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used since
General prescribing information for Edrophonium (Tensilon)
Drug class
Anticholinesterase agent classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication (Tensilon test)
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological action
Diagnosing myasthenia gravis (edrophonium/Tensilon test), differentiating myasthenic crisis from cholinergic crisis, and reversal of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockade after surgical procedures.
Reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase enzyme, preventing breakdown of acetylcholine and increasing its concentration at the neuromuscular junction, which improves muscle contraction.
Must be administered intravenously with cardiac monitoring due to risk of bradycardia and asystole. Has a very short duration of action (5-20 minutes). Should only be used for diagnosis or acute situations, not for long-term management. Atropine should be readily available to treat cholinergic side effects.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy