Mecamylamine (Mecamylamine)
Overview of Mecamylamine
Mecamylamine is a potent, oral antihypertensive agent and ganglion blocker, and is a secondary amine. Mecamylamine is indicated for the management of moderately severe to severe essential hypertension and in uncomplicated cases of malignant hypertension. Mecamylamine reduces blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals. A small oral dosage often produces a smooth and predictable reduction of blood pressure. Although this antihypertensive effect is predominantly orthostatic, the supine blood pressure is also significantly reduced. Mecamylamine crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers.
Indication of Mecamylamine
Mecamylamine is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypertension.
Contraindication of Mecamylamine
Mecamylamine is contraindicated in conditions like Glucoma,Myocardial infarction,Uremia,Pyloric stenosis,Hypersensitivity to the drug.
Side Effects of Mecamylamine
The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Mecamylamine include Convulsions, Tremor, Paresthesia.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Mecamylamine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Weakness, Fatigue, Anorexia, Constipation, Insomnia, Sedation, Nausea and vomiting, Dysarthria, Weakness.
Precautions of Mecamylamine
The patient's condition should be evaluated carefully, particularly as to renal and cardiovascular function. When renal, cerebral, or coronary blood flow is deficient, any additional impairment, which might result from added hypotension, must be avoided. During therapy with Mecamylamine, sodium intake should not be restricted but, if necessary, the dosage of the ganglion blocker must be adjusted. Since urinary retention may occur in patients on ganglion blockers, caution is required in patients with prostatic hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction, and urethral stricture. Frequent loose bowel movements with abdominal distention and decreased borborygmi may be the first signs of paralytic ileus. If these are present, Mecamylamine should be discontinued immediately and remedial steps taken.