Final answer:
Edrophonium (Enlon) is a short-acting cholinesterase inhibitor used diagnostically for myasthenia gravis and to a lesser extent to reverse non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. It acts within minutes and lasts for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, with administration being intravenous.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edrophonium (Enlon) is primarily used as a diagnostic agent for myasthenia gravis and is characterized by its short-acting effects. When used for testing purposes, it provides quick onset of action, typically within minutes, with duration lasting about 5 to 10 minutes.
It works by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, thus increasing the levels of acetylcholine at neuromuscular junctions which can improve muscle function.
Edrophonium can also be used to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents after surgery. However, its ability to reverse such agents is not as powerful as other cholinesterase inhibitors, and therefore it is less commonly used for this purpose.
The absorption of edrophonium is not typically a concern as it is administered intravenously, ensuring rapid onset. Alternatives with longer action, such as neostigmine or pyridostigmine, are often used for ongoing treatment of myasthenia gravis due to their longer duration of action.