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MEPHENTERMINE

MEPHENTERMINE

It has a sympathomimetic action. Action of Mephentermine results from an increase in the cardiac output as well as from peripheral vasoconstriction although the contribution of the latter is negligible. It increases the blood flow without compromising the arterial resistance, is a logical drug for the treatment of shock due to myocardial infarction and gram negative bacteremia. It has a special advantage bacause it decreases myocardial irritability and prevents rather than induces arrhythmias.

Indications

Shock accompanying myocardial infarction. An initial dose of 60 mg. I.V. in a single 2ml. injection may be administered followed by I.V. infusion of 0.1% Mephentermine in 5% dextrose in water. An alternate method is the I.V. administration of serial doses of Mephentermine 15 to 45 mg supplemented with I.M. Mephentermine 3-45 mg as necessary. Shock or Hypertension accompanying severe medical illness. 20-80mg I.V. or I.M. followed by I.V. infusion of 0.1% Mephentermine in 5% D/W. Hypertension se


Dosage

Adult: IV- Maintenance of BP in hypotensive state- 30-45 mg as 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. Hypertension secondary to spinal anesthesia in obstetric patients 15 mg as a single dose, repeat if needed.


Contra-Indications

Hypertension caused by phenothiazines. MAO inhibitors, hypertension, shock due to loss of blood or fluid.


Special Precautions

Patient on MAOIs. For shock due to loss of blood or fluid, give fluid replacement therapy primarily, CVS disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, chronic illnesses. Lactation, pregnancy.


Side Effects

Weakness, Reduced appetite, Cerebral haemorrhage, Restlessness, CNS stimulation, Vomiting, Convulsions, Ventricular arrhythmias, Incoherence, Hallucinations


Drug Interactions

Risk of ventricular fibrillation in patients undergoing anaesthesia with cyclopropane and halothane. Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias with cardiac glycosides, quinidine and tricyclic antidepressants.


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