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$Title{guanethidine}
$Subject{Ismelin Ciba Anti-hypertensive guanethidine sulfate salt high blood
pressure chemicals}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


guanethidine
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Ismelin (Ciba)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Anti-hypertensive

INGREDIENT

     guanethidine as the sulfate salt

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (10 mg and 25 mg)

STORAGE

     Guanethidine should be stored at room temperature, in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Guanethidine is used to control high blood pressure.  It works by
blocking the action of the chemicals responsible for increasing blood
pressure.

TREATMENT

     Guanethidine can be taken either on an empty stomach or, to avoid stomach
irritation, with food or milk (as directed by your doctor).  Try to take your
doses at the same times each day, in order to become accustomed to taking this
medication.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition, as long as you continue to take it.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; fatigue; nasal congestion; nausea;
vomiting; weakness; and weight gain.  These side effects should disappear in
several weeks, as your body adjusts to the medication.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down awhile; change positions slowly, and
be careful on stairs.
     To help relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum, or suck on ice chips
or a piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision; chest pain; decreased sexual ability; depression; drooping
eyelids; hair loss; increased urination; itching; muscle pain or tremors;
rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week); skin rash; shortness
of breath; or swollen or tender glands.

INTERACTIONS

     Guanethidine interacts with several other types of drugs.
     1. Concurrent use of guanethidine and alcohol can lead to fainting or
extreme drowsiness.
     2. Amphetamines, appetite suppressants, ephedrine, methylphenidate,
phenothiazine tranquilizers, phenylpropanolamine, and tricyclic
anti-depressants can decrease the beneficial effects of guanethidine.
     3. Barbiturates, methotrimeprazine, narcotics, fenfluramine, and
reserpine can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine,
which can be dangerous.
     4. The dosage of oral anti-diabetic medications may need to be adjusted
when guanethidine is started.
     5. Concurrent use of guanethidine with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
can lead to serious side effects.  At least one week should separate doses of
these two types of medication.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you are already taking any of the
medications listed above in combination with guanethidine.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to guanethidine.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have, or if you have ever had, asthma; diabetes mellitus; fever; heart
or blood vessel disease; kidney disease; liver disease; peptic ulcers;
pheochromocytoma; or a slowed heart rate.
     * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid taking part in
activities that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * To prevent fainting while you are taking guanethidine, you should avoid
drinking alcoholic beverages.  You should also avoid standing for prolonged
periods, excessive exercise, and exposure to hot showers and saunas.
     * Before having any surgery or other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter
(non-prescription) asthma, allergy, cough, cold, diet, or sinus preparation.
Some of these products can reduce the effectiveness of guanethidine.
     * Guanethidine 10 mg tablets contain F.D. & C. Yellow Dye No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type symptoms (fainting, shortness of
breath, or rash) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although guanethidine
appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans have not yet
been completed.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant.
It is not known whether or not guanethidine passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.