What is Mecamylamine hydrochloride used for?

It is used to manage moderately severe to severe high blood pressure and certain cases of malignant hypertension.

Can I stop taking Mecamylamine hydrochloride suddenly?

No, you should not stop taking it abruptly because your blood pressure could spike dangerously high. It must be stopped gradually.

What are the common side effects of Mecamylamine hydrochloride?

Common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and fatigue.

Is Mecamylamine hydrochloride safe to take if I am pregnant?

It should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, as its effects on a fetus are not fully known.

Does Mecamylamine hydrochloride interact with alcohol?

Yes, alcohol can increase the effects of the medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Mecamylamine hydrochloride?

Signs of too much medication include severe dizziness, nausea, and very low blood pressure; seek medical attention if these occur.

Can Mecamylamine hydrochloride cause nervous system issues?

Yes, it can penetrate the brain and may rarely cause tremors, convulsions, or mental changes.

Should I take Mecamylamine hydrochloride with food?

Taking it after meals may result in slower absorption and smoother control of high blood pressure.

Mecamylamine Hydrochloride | CAS 826-39-1 | PKVZBNCYEICAQP

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Antihypertensive (blood pressure medication)

Mecamylamine hydrochloride is a potent oral medicine used to treat moderately severe to severe high blood pressure. It works as a ganglion blocker to help lower blood pressure levels.

How it worksMecamylamine hydrochloride acts as a neuroonal acetylcholine receptor modulator, specifically targeting the alpha3/beta4 receptors to help lower blood pressure.

Brand names:INVERSINE

Used for

Management of moderately severe to severe essential hypertensionUncomplicated cases of malignant hypertension

Conditions

Hypertension

Class

AntihypertensiveGanglion blockerAntihypertensive (blood pressure medication)CardiovascularNervous SystemGastrointestinalRespiratoryUrogenital

How to take

FormsTablet

RoutesOral

Treatment usually begins with one 2.5 mg tablet twice a day. The dose may be increased in small steps every two days until the desired blood pressure is reached. While the average daily dose is around 25 mg split into three doses, some people may only need 2.5 mg daily.

Taking Mecamylamine hydrochloride after meals may lead to slower absorption and smoother blood pressure control. It is important to keep the timing of your doses relative to meals consistent. Because blood pressure response is higher in the early morning, larger doses are often suggested for noon or evening, with a smaller dose in the morning.

Missed dose: The provided text does not specify instructions for a missed dose.

Key warnings

·Stopping Mecamylamine hydrochloride suddenly can cause blood pressure to spike abruptly, which could lead to fatal strokes or heart failure. Always taper off this medication gradually under medical supervision.
·Because this drug can enter the brain, it may cause nervous system effects like tremors, convulsions, or mental changes, especially in patients with kidney or brain issues.
·The effects of this medication can last for hours or even days after you stop taking it.

Do not use if

·Mild, moderate, or unstable (labile) hypertension
·Coronary insufficiency or recent heart attack
·Uremia or kidney failure (use with extreme caution if kidney function is low)
·Glaucoma
·Pyloric stenosis
·Hypersensitivity to the drug

Side effects

Common

Constipation or diarrheaNausea or vomitingDry mouthDizziness or fainting when standing upBlurred vision or dilated pupilsWeakness or fatigueImpotence or decreased sex driveUrinary retention

Serious

·Convulsions or tremors
·Mental changes or aberrations
·Lung issues like pulmonary edema or fibrosis
·Severe drops in blood pressure (hypotension)
·Paralytic ileus (intestinal blockage)

Interactions

·Antibiotics and sulfonamides
·Alcohol
·Anesthesia
·Other blood pressure medications
·Arfonad

FoodTaking the medication after meals may slow down absorption and provide smoother blood pressure control.

AlcoholAlcohol may increase the effects of Mecamylamine hydrochloride.

Special populations

PregnancyMecamylamine hydrochloride is classified as Pregnancy Category C. It should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks to the baby, as it is unknown if it causes fetal harm.

BreastfeedingBecause of the risk of serious reactions in nursing infants, you should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medication based on the necessity of the drug for the mother.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of Mecamylamine hydrochloride in children have not been established.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Blood pressure readings (especially in the erect position)
·Mental status and tremors
·Signs of dizziness or fainting
·Urinary retention

Questions to ask

·How should I adjust my dose based on my blood pressure readings?
·Is it safe to take this with my current antibiotics?
·How should I gradually stop this medication?
·How will my urinary pH affect how this drug works?

Pharmacokinetics

Onset0.5 to 2 hours

Duration6 to 12 hours or more

BioavailabilityAlmost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract

MetabolismNot explicitly detailed, but excreted slowly in urine in unchanged form

ExcretionExcreted slowly in the urine; renal elimination is affected by urinary pH (acidification promotes excretion, alkalization reduces it). It crosses blood-brain and placental barriers.

Practical

OverdoseSigns of an overdose include very low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal blockage, urinary retention, dizziness, anxiety, dry mouth, blurred vision, or palpitations. Increased eye pressure may also occur.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

calcium phosphateD&C Yellow 10FD&C Yellow 6lactosemagnesium stearatecornstarchtalc

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.