What is guanethidine used for?

Guanethidine belongs to the general class of medicines called antihypertensives. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Is guanethidine a sympatholytic?

Guanethidine is a sympatholytic drug that acts by displacing norepinephrine from postganglionic sympathetic nerve endings. The drug depletes tissue stores of norepinephrine, decreases reuptake of norepinephrine by the nerve terminals, and lowers sympathetic tone.

What is the classification of guanethidine?

Guanethidine is a member of the class of guanidines in which one of the hydrogens of the amino group has been replaced by a 2-azocan-1-ylethyl group. It has a role as an antihypertensive agent, an adrenergic antagonist and a sympatholytic agent. It is a member of guanidines and a member of azocanes.

What are the side effects of guanethidine?

Common side effects of Ismelin (guanethidine monosulfate) include:

  • unusual fatigue or drowsiness.
  • dizziness.
  • anxiety.
  • depression.
  • nightmares.
  • diarrhea.
  • nausea.
  • vomiting.

How does Guanethidine lower blood pressure?

Guanethidine works by controlling nerve impulses along certain nerve pathways. As a result, it relaxes the blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. This helps to lower blood pressure.

Is Guanethidine an alpha blocker?

Guanethidine at the nerve terminal blocks the release of noradrenaline in response to an action potential. In contrast to ganglionic blocking agents, Guanethidine suppresses equally the responses mediated by alpha-and beta-adrenergic receptors but does not produce parasympathetic blockade.

Why is Guanethidine contraindicated in pheochromocytoma?

Contraindications: Guanethidine can cause a hypertensive crisis in patients with pheochromocytoma due to the release of catecholamines (tyramine like action).

What is the side effects of guanethidine in antihypertensive drug?

Guanethidine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What is the mechanism of action of guanethidine?

Guanethidine works by decreasing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body, thereby reducing these risks. It is a postganglionic sympathetic nerve terminal blocker that prevents the release of norepinephrine from nerve terminals.

What is the side effects of labetalol?

Side Effects

  • Blurred vision or other changes in vision.
  • cold sweats.
  • difficult or labored breathing.
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position.
  • shortness of breath.
  • swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs.
  • tightness in chest.
  • wheezing.