Edrophonium Cation
Edrophonium Cation is a short-acting reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor primarily used as a diagnostic agent for myasthenia gravis. By temporarily increasing acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, it produces rapid but brief improvement in muscle weakness, helping clinicians differentiate myasthenic crisis from other conditions. The medication is administered intravenously in controlled settings due to its short duration of action.
A short-acting cholinesterase inhibitor used diagnostically to identify myasthenia gravis by temporarily improving muscle strength.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1546421
- Generic
- Edrophonium Cation
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Primarily used as a diagnostic aid for myasthenia gravis (the Tensilon test), to differentiate myasthenic crisis from cholinergic crisis, and to assess treatment efficacy in neuromuscular disorders.
Reversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterase at the neuromuscular junction, preventing breakdown of acetylcholine and increasing its availability at motor end plates, which temporarily improves muscle contraction and strength.
Short-acting with effects lasting approximately 5-15 minutes. Must be administered in a medically supervised setting with resuscitation equipment available due to potential for cholinergic side effects (bradycardia, bronchospasm). Not typically used for ongoing treatment due to brief duration of action.
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 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy