Ismelin

What is it?

An antihypertensive and adrenergic neurone blocker, available as a solution in ampoules for injection containing 10mg of guanethidine sulphate per ml.

Medical Uses

Hypertensive crisis.

Dosage

Adults, 10 to 20mg by intramuscular injection with a second injection after 3 hours, if necessary. Special cure: pregnancy, kidney disease, fever, asthma, stomach ulcer, arteriosclerosis, anaesthesia. Ovoid use: children, 1st 3 months of pregnancy and during final 2 weeks, heart or kidney failure, phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal glands).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Sympathomimetics, MAOIs, hypoglycaemics, digitalis, tricyclic antidepressants, oral contraceptives, TCADs, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, other antihypertensives, β-blockers.

Known Side Effects

Depression, blocked nose, dry mouth, blood changes, headaches, sick-sinus syndrome (heart disorder involving the sinus node), fluid retention and bloating, vomiting, failure to achieve ejaculation, blurring of vision, dermatitis, uraemia (presence of excessive amounts of urea in blood), raised blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, tingling/numbness/'pins and needles' in fingers and toes, bradycardia (slow heart beat), diarrhoea, dizziness, low blood pressure when rising from lying down (postural hypotension), tiredness, peripheral claudication (weakness and cramps caused by poor blood circulation), heart failure.