Mephentermine

Mephentermine has been primarily utilized in clinical settings for:

• Management of Hypotension: Especially during spinal anesthesia or surgical interventions.
• Cardiac Stimulation: Used in treating heart failure due to its positive inotropic effects.

Despite its therapeutic uses, mephentermine has seen a decline in marketing due to safety concerns and the availability of alternative agents.

Mephentermine interacts with various pharmacological agents, which can enhance or diminish its effects:

• CNS Stimulants: May lead to increased central nervous system stimulation.
• Antihypertensives: Antagonizes the effects of medications that lower blood pressure.
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Can cause severe hypertension when combined.

These interactions necessitate careful monitoring when mephentermine is administered alongside other medications.

Mephentermine exhibits significant biological activity as an adrenergic agonist. Its pharmacological effects include:

• Vasoconstriction: Increases peripheral vascular resistance.
• Positive Inotropic Effect: Enhances myocardial contractility.
• Sympathomimetic Effects: Induces release of norepinephrine and dopamine, contributing to increased heart rate and blood pressure.

The onset of action varies depending on the route of administration, with intramuscular injections taking 5 to 15 minutes for effect, while intravenous administration acts immediately.