Mecamylamine is used to treat severe forms of high blood pressure.
What is Mecamylamine?
Mecamylamine works by relaxing and dilating the blood vessels. In this way, it allows the blood to flow more easily and exerts less pressure.
How should Mecamylamine be taken?
Mecamylamine is administered orally in the form of tablets. It should be taken on a full stomach.
Side effects associated with Mecamylamine
Among the possible side effects of mecamylamine include the following:
- Tarnished vision
- Constipation
- Sexual problems
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dilated pupils
- Impotence
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Urinary retention
- Vomiting
It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Abnormal movements
- Strange thoughts
- Difficulty urinating
- Fainting
- Frequently soft bowel movements associated with stomach bloating and reduced intestinal gas
- Convulsions
- Tremors
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Mecamylamine
Mecamylamine may be contraindicated in case of heart problems or a recent heart attack, glaucoma, disorders associated with kidney disease, pyloric stenosis or if you are taking antibiotics or sulfonamides.
Before starting treatment with mecamylamine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements (in particular alkaline diet)
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from atherosclerosis or difficult urination associated with prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck obstruction
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Mecamylamine can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol and certain other medications.
Dizziness associated with mecamylamine may also be enhanced by high temperatures, strenuous physical exercise and fever. For these reasons, it is important to get up slowly from a lying or seated position when dizziness occurs.
It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with mecamylamine.
