Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center

Pyridostigmine in POTS


Acetylcholinesterase inhibition improves tachycardia in postural tachycardia syndrome.

Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which means that it decreases the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is used in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, but is more prevalent in the parasympathetic nervous system. Because of this, it was hypothesized that pyridostigmine would increase parasympathetic nervous system activity and therefore decrease heart rate in POTS.

Patients wtih POTS were given 30 mg pyridostigmine and placebo on different mornings. Compared to placebo, pyridostigmine:

  • Decreased heart rate at 2 hours
  • Decreased standing heart rate at 2 and 4 hours
  • Decreased symptoms at 4 hours
  • Did not change blood pressure

See PubMed Abstract
