Ambenonium chloride

Ambenonium chloride is a quinoline derivative and a cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. It is a reversible inhibitor, meaning it can bind and unbind from the cholinesterase enzyme, allowing for a more controlled effect on the body's acetylcholine levels.

Pharmacology

Ambenonium chloride works by inhibiting the action of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine in the body. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in muscle contraction. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, ambenonium chloride increases the amount of acetylcholine available at the neuromuscular junction, improving muscle strength and alleviating the symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

Clinical Use

Ambenonium chloride is primarily used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness and rapid fatigue of voluntary muscles. It is typically used when other treatments, such as pyridostigmine or neostigmine, are not effective or cause intolerable side effects.

Side Effects

Like other cholinesterase inhibitors, ambenonium chloride can cause a range of side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive salivation. More serious side effects can include bradycardia (slow heart rate), bronchospasm (constriction of the airways), and hypotension (low blood pressure).

See Also

• Myasthenia gravis
• Cholinesterase inhibitor
• Acetylcholine
• Neuromuscular junction