Mecamylamine Disease Interactions

The use of mecamylamine is contraindicated in patients with coronary artery disease or insufficiency or a recent myocardial infarction. Mecamylamine blocks sympathetic ganglia causing vasodilation, increased peripheral blood flow, and decreased blood pressure.

Cerebrovascular ischemia can occur as a result of marked hypotension during mecamylamine therapy. Therapy with mecamylamine should be administered cautiously in patients with or a history of cerebrovascular disorders.

The use of mecamylamine is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma.

CNS toxicity such as tremors, choreiform movements, altered mental status, and convulsions have occurred rarely. Patients with cerebral or renal impairment are at increased risk for mecamylamine- associated CNS toxicity. Therapy with mecamylamine should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposition to neurological disorders. Clinical monitoring of neurological status and renal function (as indicated) is recommended.

Mecamylamine is primarily eliminated by the kidney, and it should be given with great discretion, if at all, when renal insufficiency is manifested by a rising or elevated BUN. This drug is contraindicated in uremia.

The parasympathetic blocking activity of mecamylamine can cause bladder atony and urinary retention. Therapy with mecamylamine should be administered cautiously in patients with urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction, or urethral stricture.

The action of mecamylamine may be potentiated by excessive heat, fever, infection, bleeding, vigorous exercise and salt depletion, as a result of diminished intake or increase excretion due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating or diuretics.