Your patient is diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, and she is given a prescription for pyridostigmine. Which of the following best summarizes the drug’s mechanism of action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Inhibits breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby improving activation of skeletal muscle by acetylcholine."
Rationale:
1. Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it blocks the breakdown of acetylcholine.
2. In myasthenia gravis, there is a decrease in acetylcholine receptor sites, leading to muscle weakness.
3. By inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, pyridostigmine increases the availability of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, improving muscle activation.
4. This mechanism helps alleviate muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis patients.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Pyridostigmine does not block muscarinic receptors or change the preference of acetylcholine stimulation.
B: Incorrect. Pyridostigmine does not inhibit reuptake of acetylcholine; it acts by inhibiting its breakdown