Mephentermine
About
Mephentermine belongs to a category of medications called ‘Antihypotensives’ primarily used to treat hypotension (low blood pressure). Besides this, Mephentermine is also indicated to treat hypotensive states, such as circulatory failure during spinal anaesthesia or drug-induced hypotension. Hypotension is a condition when blood pressure drops below the normal range, which may reduce cardiac output and hypovolemia (low blood volume). It can cause dizziness, weakness, fainting, and a risk of injury from falls.
Mephentermine contains ‘Mephentermine’ is a class of medicines called sympathomimetic. It helps to release a chemical messenger (adrenaline), which compresses the blood vessels. It increases blood pressure rapidly by increasing the pumping capacity of the heart and narrowing the blood vessels of the heart. Hence, it works to increase your blood pressure.
Mephentermine will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer Mephentermine. Some people may experience systemic hypertension (high blood pressure), anxiety, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), and CNS stimulation. Most of these side effects of Mephentermine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Mephentermine. It should not be used in children below 18 years. Mephentermine should be used with caution in patients with having heart disease, overactive thyroid, shock, dehydration, or acidosis (increased acid level in blood). Do not take Mephentermine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days. If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, or coronary artery disease, inform your doctor before taking Mephentermine.
Uses of Mephentermine
Medicinal Benefits
Mephentermine consists of Mephentermine is a sympathomimetic medicine. It helps to release a chemical messenger (adrenaline), which compresses the blood vessels. It increases the blood pressure rapidly by increasing the pumping capacity of the heart and narrowing the blood vessels of the heart. Hence, it works to increase your blood pressure. Mephentermine also used by anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist to treat hypotension (decreased blood pressure) due to vasodilation caused by general, epidural, and spinal anesthesia (caesarian section).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mephentermine
- Systemic hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Anxiety
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- CNS stimulation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Mephentermine, or any of its ingredients. Keep your doctor informed about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements. Mephentermine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless prescribed by a doctor. Mephentermine should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Before using Mephentermine, tell your doctor if you have liver/kidney problems, hypertension, overactive thyroid, shock, dehydration, acidosis. Do not drive or handle machinery unless you are alert. Mephentermine is not recommended in the treatment of hypotension (low blood pressure) induced by chlorpromazine because it may potentiate, rather than correct. Inform your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken medication to treat severe depression.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Mephentermine may interact with central nervous system stimulants (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine), respiratory stimulants (guaifenesin, phenylpropanolamine, phenylephrine), a drug used for thyroid disorder (levothyroxine), medicines used for weight loss (phentermine), anti-depressant (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine).
Drug-food interactions: No interaction found.
Drug-disease interactions: Mephentermine should be used with caution in patients with hypertension, heart disease, dehydration and acidosis (buildup acid in the blood).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Mephentermine. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
unsafeMephentermine may increase uterine contractions in pregnant women, especially during the third trimester Please consult your doctor before taking Mephentermine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is unknown whether Mephentermine is excreted in human milk. It is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
cautionIt is not known whether Mephentermine alerts the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionMephentermine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionMephentermine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionMephentermine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before giving Mephentermine to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Add foods with high vitamin B12, including eggs, fortified cereals, and nutritional yeast to your daily diet.
- Salty foods can increase blood pressure. Try eating canned soup, cottage cheese, olives, and pickled items.
- Drink coffee and caffeinated tea; it may spike blood pressure by stimulating the cardiovascular system.
- Eat small meals more frequently; large meals may drop in blood pressure as your body works harder to digest larger meals.
- Drink more water and limit alcohol; dehydration lowers blood pressure.
- Change body position standing up slowly.
- Avoid prolonged bed rest.
- If you exercise outdoors in extreme heat, take frequent breaks.
- Avoid spending a long time in saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms which cause dehydration.
Special Advise
Do not take Mephentermine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days; it may cause serious drug interaction.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypotension: Low blood pressure is a condition when blood pressure drops below the normal range, which may reduce cardiac output and hypovolemia (low blood volume). It can cause dizziness, weakness, fainting, and a risk of injury from falls. Also, severely low blood pressure can deprive your body of enough oxygen to carry out its functions, leading to damage to your heart and brain. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. Ideal blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg. Hypotension exists when the systolic pressure is less than 90 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure is less than 60 mmHg.
FAQs
Do not stop taking Mephentermine on your own. You are advised to take Mephentermine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. Do not be hesitant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Mephentermine.
Do not take Mephentermine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy unless prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor will prescribe Mephentermine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Antidepressants, along with Mephentermine, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) may prolong and increase the effects of Mephentermine. Consult your doctor before taking Mephentermine with other medicines to avoid unpleasant side-effects.
Systemic hypertension (high blood pressure), Anxiety, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), CNS stimulation are the common side-effects of Mephentermine.
A person should tell their doctor if they have a history of heart disease, overactive thyroid, shock, high blood pressure, persistent and lasting illness, during pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
