Bethanidine (Sulphate)

Drug #94

Bethanidine (Sulphate) is used in hypertension to reduce the blood pressure.its actions and uses are similar to those of guanethidine monosulphate but it causes less depletion of noradrenaline stores. It also has a more rapid onset, together with a shorter duration of action, than guanethidine.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Guanidine Salt.

It is classified in Antihypertensive Agents pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 226.3 · pK_a: 12.0 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 1 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 30 · Non-proprietary name: Bethanidine (Sulphate).

Molecular structure of Bethanidine (Sulphate)

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Bethanidine (Sulphate) has a volume of distribution is 2.7 l/kg. plasma protein binding is < 10%.

Elimination: plasma half-life is 8-15 hr.

Indications

Bethanidine (Sulphate) is primarily indicated in conditions like Hypertension.

Contraindications

Bethanidine (Sulphate) is contraindicated in conditions like Phaeochromocytoma, Renal failure.

Dosage

Bethanidine (Sulphate)'s dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
0.171 mg/kg	0.171 mg/kg	Every 8h	PO	Maintenance, As Required.
0.228 mg/kg	0.228 mg/kg	Every 8h	PO	Initial
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
0 – 0	—	—	—	Rarely used in this Age Group
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Not recommended in this age group

Drug Interactions

Unknown9 interactions

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

Side Effects

Bethanidine (Sulphate) in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Impotence , Thrombocytopenia , Diarrhoea .

Bethanidine (Sulphate) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Severe Hypotension , Myocardial infarction, Angina pectoris, Cerebrovascular insufficiency, Syncope, Cerebral infarction. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Bethanidine (Sulphate) are Bradycardia, Fainting , Postural hypotension, Dizziness.

Bethanidine (Sulphate) is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Dizziness, Nasal stiffiness, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Bethanidine (beta-blocker) should not be given to patients with bronchospasm, asthma, with history of obstructive airway disease, metabolic acidosis, partial heart block, sinus bradycardia or psoriasis. The dose may need to reduce in patients with renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) dysfunction. Patients with long term treatment with beta-blockers should have their medication discontinued gradually over a period of 1 to 2 weeks, because it may result in angina, myocardial infraction (MI), ventricular arrhythmia or death. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Bethanidine (Sulphate) should be stored Tabs.

Drug Classification

1.12.3.8 — Ganglion blocking drugs