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mephentermine

C01CA11

Forms & Strengths

Injection: 15 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL in 1-mL and 10-mL vials

Adult Dosing

Hypotension during spinal anesthesia: 15 to 30 mg IV or IM as a single dose
Severe hypotension/shock: 15 to 30 mg IV injection, followed by continuous IV infusion of a diluted solution (e.g., 30 mg in 250 mL D5W) adjusted to maintain blood pressure

Pediatric Dosing

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established; use is generally not recommended

Indications

Treatment of hypotensive state secondary to spinal anesthesia
Maintenance of blood pressure during acute hypotension in surgical and obstetrical procedures

Mechanism of Action

Indirect-acting sympathomimetic amine that displaces norepinephrine from storage sites in sympathetic nerve terminals
Stimulates alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to peripheral vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to mephentermine or any component of the formulation
Hypotension due to uncorrected hypovolemia (unless used as an emergency life-saving measure)
Concomitant use with MAO inhibitors due to risk of severe hypertensive crisis

Adverse Reactions

Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, arrhythmias
Central Nervous System: Anxiety, apprehension, dizziness, tremors
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting
Local: Venous irritation and tissue necrosis with extravasation

Drug Interactions

MAO inhibitors: May cause severe, prolonged hypertension
General anesthetics (e.g., cyclopropane, halogenated hydrocarbons): Increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias
Other sympathomimetic agents: Additive cardiovascular toxicity and excessive vasoconstriction
Antihypertensives/Diuretics: May antagonize the hypotensive effects of these medications

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use