Guanethidine
Guanethidine
Guanethidine (pronounced: gwan-eth-i-deen) is a medication that is primarily used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It belongs to the class of drugs known as sympatholytics, which work by reducing the levels of certain chemicals in the body that narrow the blood vessels.
Etymology
The term 'Guanethidine' is derived from the chemical structure of the drug, which contains a guanidine group and an ethyl group. The '-idine' suffix is commonly used in the names of drugs that have similar structures or functions.
Usage
Guanethidine is used to manage hypertension by blocking the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. This action allows the blood vessels to relax and widen, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Related Terms
- Sympatholytics: A class of drugs that includes guanethidine. These drugs work by inhibiting the postganglionic functioning of the sympathetic nervous system.
- Hypertension: A medical condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure. Guanethidine is often used in the treatment of this condition.
- Norepinephrine: A hormone and neurotransmitter that is blocked by guanethidine to help lower blood pressure.
Side Effects
Like all medications, guanethidine can cause side effects. Common side effects include orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up), diarrhea, and dry mouth.
Precautions
Before taking guanethidine, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have any other medical conditions, especially heart disease, kidney disease, or pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal glands).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Guanethidine
- Wikipedia's article - Guanethidine
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