Bethanidine

Bethanidine is a sympatholytic agent that was formerly used in the treatment of hypertension. It functions by blocking the release of norepinephrine from nerve endings and thus decreasing peripheral vascular resistance.

Mechanism of Action

Bethanidine works by blocking the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that is released from nerve endings. This neurotransmitter is responsible for the constriction of blood vessels, which leads to increased blood pressure. By blocking its release, Bethanidine helps to relax and widen blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Uses

Bethanidine was primarily used in the treatment of hypertension. However, due to its side effects and the development of safer drugs, it is no longer commonly used.

Side Effects

The side effects of Bethanidine include dry mouth, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and orthostatic hypotension. In rare cases, it can cause hepatotoxicity.

Contraindications

Bethanidine is contraindicated in patients with heart failure, severe coronary artery disease, and pheochromocytoma. It should also be avoided in patients with a history of hepatic or renal impairment.

Interactions

Bethanidine can interact with other medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and beta-blockers. These interactions can lead to increased blood pressure and other adverse effects.

See Also

• Sympatholytic agents
• Hypertension
• Norepinephrine

Bethanidine Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski