Ismelin (Guanethidine Monosulfate) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Ismelin

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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Ismelin

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Ismelin, guanethidine monosulfate USP, is an antihypertensive, available as tablets of 10 mg and 25 mg for oral administration. Each 10-mg and 25-mg tablet contains guanethidine monosulfate USP equivalent to 10 mg and 25 mg of guanethidine sulfate USP. Its chemical name is [2-(hexahydro-1(2H)-azocinyl)ethyl] guanidine sulfate 1:1.

Guanethidine monosulfate USP is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 296.38. It is very soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in chloroform.

Inactive Ingredients: Calcium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide D&C Yellow No. 10 (10-mg tablets), lactose, starch, stearic acid, and sucrose.

What are the possible side effects of guanethidine (Ismelin)?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking guanethidine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
irregular heartbeats;
heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling of ankles or legs, sudden weight gain of 5 pounds or more); or
chest pain.

Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Ismelin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.