Physostigmine is used to treat glaucoma. Because it crosses the blood-brain barrier, it is also used to treat the central nervous system effects of atropine overdose and other anticholinergic drug overdoses. Physostigmine can reverse both central and peripheral anticholinergia.

What is physostigmine used to treat?

Physostigmine salicylate has FDA approval for use in the treatment of glaucoma and the treatment of anticholinergic toxicity. It is useful to treat the central nervous system effects of anticholinergic toxicity due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

What are the benefits of physostigmine?

Because it enhances the transmission of acetylcholine signals in the brain and can cross the blood–brain barrier, physostigmine salicylate is used to treat anticholinergic poisoning caused by overdoses of atropine, scopolamine and other anticholinergic drugs. It is also used to reverse neuromuscular blocking drugs.