Mecamylamine

Generic name: Mecamylamine
Dosage form: oral tablet (2.5 mg)
Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Mecamylamine

Mecamylamine is used to treat moderate to severe hypertension (high blood pressure). Because of its many side effects, mecamylamine is not commonly used.

Mecamylamine is also used to treat malignant hypertension (extremely high blood pressure that comes on suddenly). Malignant hypertension can damage organs in the body if left untreated.

Mecamylamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mecamylamine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mecamylamine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

tremors or jerky muscle movements;

numbness, tingling, burning pain;

painful or difficult urination;

ongoing diarrhea with stomach bloating;

confusion, thinking problems;

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

a seizure; or

dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath (even while lying down).

Common side effects of mecamylamine may include:

dizziness or fainting;

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;

constipation;

dry mouth, swollen tongue;

feeling weak or tired;

blurred vision; or

impotence, decreased interest in sex.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Mecamylamine

You should not use mecamylamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

mild, moderate, or well-controlled hypertension;

severe kidney disease, or kidney failure;

glaucoma;

a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

poor blood flow to your heart; or

if you have recently had a heart attack.

Some drugs should not be used together with mecamylamine. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use an antibiotic or sulfa drug.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a heart attack or stroke;

coronary artery disease (clogged or hardened arteries);

kidney disease;

urination problems;

a chronic infection;

bleeding problems; or

if you are on a low-salt diet.

It is not known whether mecamylamine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using mecamylamine.

Relate drugs

How to use Mecamylamine

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

2.5 mg orally twice a day; may increase by one 2.5 mg tablet at intervals of 2 days or more until desired blood pressure response is achieved.Comments:-The average total daily dose is 25 mg, usually in 3 divided doses; however, 2.5 mg daily may be sufficient. Partial tolerance may develop in certain patients, which requires an increase in the total daily dose.-Four or more doses may be required when smooth control is difficult to obtain.-Titration should be determined by blood pressure readings in the erect position at the time of maximal effect of this drug, as well as by signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. In severe or urgent cases, titration at larger increments and shorter intervals may be needed.Use: Management of moderately severe to severe essential hypertension and uncomplicated cases of malignant hypertension.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Mecamylamine

When you start or stop taking mecamylamine, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other blood pressure medicines you take on a regular basis.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

an antibiotic; or

a diuretic or "water pill".

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect mecamylamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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