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Mecamylamine

Pronounced

"MEK-a-MIL-a-meen"

Uses

Mecamylamine is used to treat moderately severe to severe high blood pressure. It can also be used in sudden high blood pressure emergencies (malignant hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Mecamylamine belongs to a class of drugs known as ganglion blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times daily. You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take this medication the same way with every dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. A rapid rise in blood pressure may occur when this drug is suddenly stopped. This rapid rise in blood pressure may lead to stroke or heart failure that can be severe (possibly fatal). To prevent your blood pressure from getting too high if you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually and start you on another medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.

It is important that you do not run out of mecamylamine or miss any doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you are unable to take the medication (for example, due to vomiting).

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).