If a patient with myasthenia gravis is given the drug edrophonium (Tensilon), what will happen?

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Edrophonium is a short-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that temporarily increases the availability of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. This results in improved muscle strength for a short period of time, usually around 5-10 minutes. It is used as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between myasthenic crisis (improved strength in response to edrophonium) and cholinergic crisis (worsened weakness in response to edrophonium). It does not provide long-term improvement in strength. Heart rate may increase as a side effect, but this is not the intended or primary action of the drug. The patient may experience a transient worsening of weakness, but this is not a typical or expected response.

If a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis Is Given the Drug