Mephentermine

Mephentermine is used to raise blood pressure in hypotensive (low blood pressure) states, such as following spinal anesthesia. It increases the blood pressure rapidly by increasing the pumping capacity of the heart and narrowing blood vessels of the heart. Mephentermine is administered under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the medicine for you. You should continue all your other medicines that are advised by the doctor for your long-term treatment even after this injection. Your doctor may advise for regular monitoring of blood pressure while your taking this medicine. It may cause side effects like high blood pressure, anxiety and insomnia (difficulty in sleeping). This medicine may not be suitable for some people. You must inform doctor if you are suffering from diabetes, liver, heart or kidney disease. Also let your doctor know about all the other medications that you are using regularly. This medicine is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so always consult your doctor before taking it. Mephentermine is a sympathomimetic medicine. It helps to release a chemical messenger (adrenaline), which compresses the blood vessels. It also promotes the heart’s contractile ability to pump more blood. Hence, it works to increase your blood pressure.

• Decreased blood pressure

Mephentermine appears to act by indirect stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors causing the release of norepinephrine from its storage sites. It has a positive inotropic effect on the myocardium. AV conduction and refractory period of AV node is shortened with an increase in ventricular conduction velocity. It dilates arteries and arterioles in the skeletal muscle and mesenteric vascular beds, leading to an increase in venous return.

Adult Dose: Intravenous Maintenance of blood pressure in hypotensive states Adult: 30-45 mg as a single dose, repeated as necessary or followed by IV infusion of 0.1% mephentermine in 5% dextrose, rate and duration of administration will depend on patient's response. Hypotension secondary to spinal anaesthesia in obstetric patients Adult: 15 mg as a single dose, repeat if needed.

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

If you miss a dose of Mephentermine, please consult your doctor.

Common: • Systemic hypertension (high blood pressure) • Anxiety • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) • CNS stimulation

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether Mephentermine alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. It is usually given as a slow injection into your veins by a doctor or healthcare professional. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken medication to treat severe depression.

Hypotension caused by phenothiazines. Hypertension. Phaeochromocytoma.

Antagonises effect of hypotensive agents. Severe hypertension with MAOIs and possibly TCAs. Additive vasoconstricting effects with ergot alkaloids, oxytocin. Potentially Fatal: Risk of arrhythmia in patients undergoing anesthesia with cyclopropane and halothane.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Mephentermine. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Mephentermine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Information regarding the use of Mephentermine during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Mephentermine in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor. [CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] There is limited information available on the use of Mephentermine in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.