Home Drug Guide Mephentermine Sulfate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Mephentermine Sulfate

Brand Names Wyamine Sulfate

Classification

Therapeutic: Vasopressor, Cardiac stimulant

Pharmacological: Sympathomimetic agent

FDA Approved Indications

Hypotension (especially orthostatic hypotension)

Mechanism of Action

Mephentermine Sulfate stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure; it also has some beta-adrenergic activity, which can increase cardiac output.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 15-30 mg IM or IV every 4-6 hours as needed, with dose adjustments based on patient response.

Pediatric: Use is not well established; consult specialized guidelines or specialist.

Geriatric: Begin at lower end of dosing range due to increased sensitivity and comorbidities.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment established.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after IM or IV administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally in the liver; primarily excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via the kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Contraindications

Severe hypertension
Ventricular tachyarrhythmias
History of hypersensitivity to sympathomimetics

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or Parkinson's disease; monitor blood pressure closely.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Elevated blood pressure (Frequent)
Tachycardia (Frequent)
Nervousness, anxiety (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Arrhythmias (Uncommon)
Hypertensive crisis (Rare)
Cardiac ischemia (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can potentiate hypertensive effects.
Other sympathomimetics may increase risks of cardiovascular adverse effects.
Tricyclic antidepressants may enhance adrenergic effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, ECG periodically.

Diagnoses:

Risk for hypertension
Ineffective tissue perfusion

Implementation: Administer carefully; monitor for adverse effects.

Evaluation: Assess blood pressure and heart rate regularly to ensure therapeutic effect and minimize adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct patient to report chest pain, high blood pressure, or palpitations.
Advise to avoid sudden position changes to prevent dizziness.
Explain that medication should be used exactly as prescribed.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: None established; however, sympathetic stimulation may affect diagnostic readings.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe hypertension, tachycardia, arrhythmias, chest pain.

Treatment: Discontinue drug immediately; provide supportive care, antihypertensive therapy as needed, and consider calcium channel blockers or vasodilators under medical supervision.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.