Effect of pyridostigmine (Mestinon) on human platelet aggregation

Normal platelet functions are critical for achieving primary haemostasis. Numerous medications have been shown to affect platelet functions. Pyridostigmine (Mestinon), an orally active cholinesterase inhibitor that is commonly used to treat myasthenia gravis has been documented to cause epistaxis and prolonged bleeding after a cut in anectodal reports. This study was initiated after a patient diagnosed to have myasthenia gravis, developed multiple bruises a week after being started on Mestinon. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mestinon on platelet aggregation stimulated with various agonists in vitro.