What is the half-life of oral pyridostigmine?

The half-life of oral pyridostigmine is approximately 3 hours. Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor commonly used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis and to counteract the effects of certain types of nerve agents. The pharmacokinetics of pyridostigmine involve absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, distribution throughout the body, and metabolism primarily in the liver.

Understanding its half-life is crucial for determining the dosing schedule and ensuring therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. A half-life of around 3 hours means that after this time period, half of the substance will be eliminated from the plasma, allowing healthcare providers to plan subsequent doses to maintain adequate therapeutic levels in the body.

This half-life supports its use in conditions where sustained cholinesterase inhibition is required for symptom management. The other options, which suggest shorter or longer half-lives, do not accurately reflect the pharmacokinetic properties of pyridostigmine.