ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/neostigmine
US brand names:Prostigmin
Neostigmine is dosed at 0.02–0.04 mg/kg IV Single IV dose with atropine/glycopyrrolate in dogs, per Jones RS, Auer U, Mosing M. Reversal of neuromuscular block in companion animals. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2015;42(5):455-471. doi:10.1111/vaa.12272 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.958 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.930, Neostigmine monograph spanning p.930-931; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that does not cross blood-brain barrier. Increases acetylcholine at neuromuscular junction for reversal of non-depolarizing NMB agents.
Always co-administer with atropine or glycopyrrolate to prevent muscarinic side effects (bradycardia, salivation). Overdose can cause cholinergic crisis.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 0.02–0.04 mg/kg | Single IV dose with atropine/glycopyrrolate | Strong | Jones RS, Auer U, Mosing M. Reversal of neuromuscular block in companion animals. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2015;42(5):455-471. doi:10.1111/vaa.12272 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.958 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.930, Neostigmine monograph spanning p.930-931; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 0.02–0.04 mg/kg | Single IV dose with glycopyrrolate | Moderate |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Cridge H, Little A, José-López R, et al. The clinical utility of neostigmine administration in the diagnosis of acquired myasthenia gravis. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2021;31(5):647-655. doi:10.1111/vec.13097 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.958 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.930, Neostigmine monograph spanning p.930-931; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |