What is "neostigmine"

n. (context chemistry English) A parasympathomimetic, a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor.

n. a cholinergic drug (trade name Prostigmin) used to treat some ophthalmic conditions and to treat myasthenia gravis [syn: Prostigmin]

Neostigmine (Prostigmin, Vagostigmin) (from Greek neos, meaning "new," and "-stigmine," in reference to its parent molecule, physostigmine, on which it is based) is a parasympathomimetic compound that acts as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Given that it is a quaternary amine (unlike physostigmine, which is a tertiary amine), it penetrates the central nervous system poorly and has lower propensity to cause side effects there.

It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.