Guanethidine (Guanethidine)
Overview of Guanethidine
Guanethidine (Monosulphate) is adrenergic neuron blocking agent that reduces release of catecholamines. It reduces the blood pressure and decreases heart rate. The structure of guanethidine contains a highly basic nitrogen that makes the drug too polar to enter the central nervous system. So, the drug has no central nervous ystem effects seen with many of other antihypertensive agents.
Indication of Guanethidine
Guanethidine is primarily indicated in conditions like Dysthyroid lid retraction, Hypertension, Open-angle glaucoma, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Causalgia, Hypertensive crisis, Renal hypertension.
Contraindication of Guanethidine
Guanethidine is contraindicated in conditions like Phaeochromocytoma,Congestive heart failure,Narrow-angle glaucoma,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Guanethidine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Guanethidine, which give rise to further complications include Fever, Hypotension, Hypotension, Bradycardia, Diarrhea, Anaemia.,Guanethidine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Renal failure, Cerebral infarction, Fluid retention. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Guanethidine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Guanethidine include Drowsiness, Drowsiness, Confusion, Dizziness, Depression, Persistant hypotension.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Guanethidine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Depression, Postural hypotension, Nasal congestion, Dermatitis, Syncope, Failure of ejaculation, Muscle aching, Worsening of claudication, Muscle pain, Loss of appetite, dizziness.
Precautions of Guanethidine
Dose should be increase gradually in small increment. Guanethidine should be given along with thiazide to minimize sodium retention. It should be used with great caution in patients with severe cardiac failure,renal railure, recent myocardial infraction (M.I), in cerebrovascular disease, especially with encephalopathy, asthma and peptic ulcer patients. Avoid alcohol as Guanethidine may worsen its side effects.