Inversine (Mecamylamine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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High Blood Pressure »

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE i...

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Inversine

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Inversine Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

MECAMYLAMINE - ORAL

(ME-ka-MIL-a-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Inversine

USES: This medication 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: Take this medication by mouth, usually 2 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Food can affect how this medication works. 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 treatment at a low dose or take it less often. Your doctor may then 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. It is important to continue 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 first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when you suddenly stop this drug. A rapid rise in blood pressure may occur when the drug is abruptly stopped. Also, there have been rare reports of severe, possibly fatal reactions (such as stroke, heart failure) from stopping this drug too quickly. To prevent these problems while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may lower your dose gradually over several days. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms immediately.

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

When used for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing or an additional medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well or if your condition persists or worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings increase).