mecamylamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

mecamylamine

Brand name(s):

Inversine

What is the most important information I should know about mecamylamine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Mecamylamine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. If you experience dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid falling. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking mecamylamine.

Take mecamylamine every day at the same time, usually after meals.

Call your doctor if you experience tremor, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, or diarrhea.

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 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take mecamylamine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have arteriosclerosis (poor blood flow in the arteries, or "hardening of the arteries") in your heart (coronary) or to the head (cerebral);

• have recently had a heart attack;

• have glaucoma;

• have kidney disease; or

• have difficulty urinating as a result of an enlarged prostate or some other cause.

You may not be able to take mecamylamine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Mecamylamine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether mecamylamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether mecamylamine passes into breast milk. Do not take mecamylamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take mecamylamine?

Take mecamylamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take mecamylamine after meals.

Take each dose at the same time every day.

Do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor approves. Not taking your medication could make your condition much worse. Store mecamylamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a mecamylamine overdose include fainting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty urinating, anxiety, dry mouth, large pupils, blurred vision, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking this mecamylamine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Mecamylamine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities. If you experience dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid falling. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking mecamylamine.