Brands, Medical Use, Clinical Data
Drug Category
- Antihypertensive Agents
- Nicotinic Receptor Antagonist ATC:C02BB01
Dosage Forms
Brands / Synonyms
2-Methylamino-2,3,3-trimethylnorbornane; 2-Methylaminoisocamphane; 2-Norbornanamine, N,2,3,3-tetramethyl-; 2-Norbornanamine, N,2,3,3-tetramethyl-, hydrochloride; 3-Methylaminoisocamphane; 3-Methylaminoisocamphane hydrochloride; Inversine; Inversine hydrochloride; Mecamilamina; Mecamine; Mecamine hydrochloride; Mecamylamine Hydrochloride; Mekamin hydrochloride; Mekamine; Mevasin hydrochloride; Mevasine; Revertina; Versamine
Indications
For the treatment of moderately severe to severe essential hypertension and in uncomplicated cases of malignant hypertension
Pharmacology
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.
Mechanism of Action
Mecamylamine is a ganglionic blocker which prevents stimulation of postsynaptic receptors by acetylcholine released from presynaptic nerve endings. The hypotensive effect of Mecamylamine is attributed to reduction in sympathetic tone, vasodilation, and reduced cardiac output, and is primarily postural.
Absorption
Mecamylamine is almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
Toxicity
Not Available
Biotrnasformation / Drug Metabolism
Not Available
Contraindications
Mecamylamine should not be used in mild, moderate, labile hypertension and may prove unsuitable in uncooperative patients. It is contraindicated in coronary insufficiency or recent myocardial infarction. Mecamylamine should be given with great discretion, if at all, when renal insufficiency is manifested by a rising or elevated BUN. The drug is contraindicated in uremia. Patients receiving antibiotics and sulfonamides should generally not be treated with ganglion blockers. Other contraindications are glaucoma, organic pyloric stenosis or hypersensitivity to the product.
Drug Interactions
Patients receiving antibiotics and sulfonamides generally should not be treated with ganglion blockers.
The action of Mecamylamine may be potentiated by anesthesia, other antihypertensive drugs and alcohol.
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