By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo

TheMediTary.Com

Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com

  • Home
  • News
  • Drugs
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Medical Answers
  • About Us
  • Contact
Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo Medical Information, Documents, News - TheMediTary.Com Logo
Search Drugs
  • Drugs
    • Latest Drugs
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Medical Answers
  • News
    • FDA Alerts
    • Medical News
    • Health
    • Consumer Updates
    • Children's Health
  • More TheMediTary.Com
    • About Us
    • Contact
Follow US
Home > Drugs > Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting > Mecamylamine
Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting

Mecamylamine

https://themeditary.com/drug/mecamylamine-6326.html
Medically Reviewed by Oluni Odunlami, MD TheMediTary.Com | Reviewed: Aug 13, 2023  Additional Content by TheMediTary.Com

Generic name: mecamylamine [ meck-a-mill-a-meen ]

Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting

Dosage form: oral tablet (2.5 mg)

Availability: Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available

Brand names: Vecamyl

Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions

What is 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.

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.

How should I take Mecamylamine

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take mecamylamine after meals.

Allow for the same time interval between your meals and your mecamylamine doses. For example, if you take your medicine 15 minutes after eating, take it that way each time.

You may need different amounts of this medicine at different times of the day. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often and you may need other medical tests.

Call your doctor at once if you have a fever, if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine.

You should not stop using mecamylamine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

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.

Detailed Mecamylamine dosage information
Mecamylamine Dosage information (more detail)

Before Taking

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, vision problems, fainting, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, urination problems, anxiety, or pounding heartbeats.

What should I avoid while using Mecamylamine?

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how mecamylamine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

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.

See more: Mecamylamine Side Effects

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.

More about Mecamylamine (Mecamylamine [ meck-a-mill-a-meen ])

Dosage information
Mecamylamine Side Effects
During pregnancy
Mecamylamine Hydrochloride Tablets Prescribing Information
Drug images
Side effects
Drug class: Antiadrenergic agents, peripherally acting

Related treatment guides

High Blood Pressure
Share this Article
Contents
Uses Warnings Before Taking Dosage Side effects Interactions
Related Drugs
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec
Cerave Anti-Itch
Centrum Adult
Crovalimab
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe
Zepbound Pen
Mylanta One
Uretron Ds
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing
Lidotrode

Other drugs

Name Drug Class Updated
Fidanacogene Elaparvovec Drugs 03-Oct-2024
Cerave Anti-Itch Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Centrum Adult Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Crovalimab Drugs 02-Oct-2024
Cyltezo Prefilled Syringe Drugs 01-Oct-2024
Zepbound Pen Drugs 30-Sep-2024
Mylanta One Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Uretron Ds Drugs 27-Sep-2024
Medihoney Wound And Burn Dressing Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Lidotrode Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Libervant Drugs 26-Sep-2024
Moderna Covid-19 Drugs 25-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024
Beqvez Drugs 24-Sep-2024

Categories

  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health

About US

Welcome to TheMediTary.Com

Our website provides reliable and up-to-date information on various medical topics. We empower individuals to take charge of their health by simplifying complex medical jargon and providing practical tips and advice. We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our users and welcome feedback to improve our services.

Website use data of FDA and other sources

DMCA.com Protection Status Truste Protection Status Trust Mark Protection Status
HONcode logo We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.
Quick Link
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • DMCA
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Sitemap
  • Care Notes
  • Health Guide
  • Professional
Drugs
  • New Drugs
  • Medical Answers
  • Drugs A-Z
  • Drug Classes
  • Drug Dosage
  • Pill Identifier
  • Consumer Infor
  • Side Effects
  • Inactive Ingredients
  • Pregnancy Warnings
  • Patient Tips
  • Treatments
News
  • Latest News
  • FDA Alerts
  • Medical News
  • Health
  • Consumer Updates
  • Children's Health
Find US
  • Medium
  • Google Site
  • Blogspot
  • API
  • Reddit
  • Tumblr
  • Scoop.it
  • Substack
  • Wordpress
  • Wix
  • Behance

© 2025 TheMediTary.Com All rights reserved. Operated by