Neostigmine is used in preoperative anesthesia, unlike non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking therapies. This group of treatments belongs to muscle relaxants.
Neostigmine is also used to treat symptoms of myasthenia gravis and to prevent bladder distention and urinary retention that may occur after surgery.
Neostigmine works by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which delays the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This transmitter acts as a mediator between the nervous system and skeletal muscles and regulates their movement. Thus, the drug increases the effect of acetylcholine in the body, which helps in treating some medical conditions.