Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Tensilon (EDROPHONIUM)

Tensilon, also known as Edrophonium, is a small molecule cholinesterase inhibitor that targets acetylcholinesterase. Originally developed in the 1950s, it is now owned by Pai Holdings Pharm and is used to treat various neuromuscular conditions, including curare overdose and myasthenia gravis. Tensilon is a generic medication, off-patent since it has no active Orange Book patents, and is manufactured by multiple generic manufacturers. It has a short half-life of 1.8 hours and is administered via injection. Key safety considerations include its potential to cause bradycardia and hypotension.

At a glance

Approved indications

• Curare Overdose
• Diagnostic Test for Myasthenia Gravis
• Neuromuscular Block due to Nondepolarizing Drug
• Reversal of neuromuscular blockade

Common side effects

• Increased tracheobronchial secretions
• Increased salivary, gastric and intestinal secretion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased peristalsis
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Increased lacrimation
• Pupillary constriction
• Spasm of accommodation
• Diplopia
• Conjunctival hyperemia

Serious adverse events

• Bradycardia
• Cardiac standstill
• Severe cholinergic reactions
• Laryngospasm
• Bronchiolar constriction
• Paralysis of muscles of respiration
• Central respiratory paralysis
• Convulsions
• Arrhythmias
• Fall in cardiac output leading to hypotension

Key clinical trials

• The Pathophysiology of Orthostatic Hypotension (PHASE1)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Tensilon CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Tensilon updates RSS · CI watch RSS