Myasthenia Gravis Meds to Avoid
Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes weakness in muscles. Some symptoms include slurred speech, drooped eyelids, dysphagia chewing difficulties, weakness in arms, and/or weakness in legs (2).
In MG there is a reduction in the number of receptor sites due to certain abnormal antibodies made in MG patients. The receptor sites send a signal to the muscle by a chemical called Acetylcholine. This chemical tells the muscle to contract. The antibodies made in a patient with MG, actually attack these receptor sites and may block or destroy them. This in turn stops the activation for muscle contraction (2).
Certain medications may actually worsen the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Below is a list of some meds that should be avoided if possible.
MED TO AVOID- LIST (3) (4)
Beta Blockers
Botox
Calcium channel blockers
Fluroquinolones (Black box warning)
Gentamycin, neomycin, tobramycin
Magnessium
Steroids
Telethromycin (Black box warning)
Zithromax
REFERENCES:
- Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America “What is Myasthenia Gravis” http://www.myasthenia.org/WhatisMG.aspx
- Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America http://www.myasthenia.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zmLaFItarOQ%3d&tabid=318
- Myaware Fighting Myasthenia Together https://www.myaware.org/living-with-myasthenia-resource-centre/156-contraindications-of-drugs-that-can-make-myasthenia-worse
