Mecamylamine

Also known as: Mecamylamine hydrochloride, Mevasine

Drug #1978

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.

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Primary Characteristics

Mecamylamine is also known as Mecamylamine hydrochloride, Mevasine.

Molecular Weight: 167.29 · Non-proprietary name: Mecamylamine.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Mecamylamine has a plasma protein binding is 40%.

Elimination: renal excretion is Urine (unchange).

Indications

Mecamylamine is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypertension.

Contraindications

Mecamylamine is contraindicated in conditions like Glucoma, Myocardial infarction, Uremia, Pyloric stenosis, Hypersensitivity to the drug.

Dosage

Mecamylamine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
2.5 mg	2.5 mg	Every 8h	PO	Initial dose.
25 mg	25 mg	—	PO	In 3 divided doses Maintenance dose.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

4 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Mecamylamine are Convulsions , Tremor, Paresthesia.

Mecamylamine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorexia , Constipation , Dysarthria , Fatigue, Insomnia, Nausea and vomiting, Sedation , Weakness.

Warnings / Precautions

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.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Drug Classification

1.12.8 — Other cardiovascular preparations