GUANETHIDINE Meaning and
Definition
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Guanethidine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as sympatholytics. It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by inhibiting the release and action of certain neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system, which helps to relax and widen blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Guanethidine is administered orally or through injection, usually once or twice a day, and its effects can last for 24 to 48 hours. It is often used when other medications fail to effectively control blood pressure. However, it is important to note that guanethidine may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect and should not be abruptly discontinued without medical supervision.
While guanethidine is generally well-tolerated, it may cause some side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, and disrupted sexual function. Rarely, more serious side effects such as slow heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and allergic reactions may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor patients during treatment with guanethidine.
As with any medication, there are certain precautions and contraindications associated with guanethidine. It is not recommended for individuals with a history of heart disease, depression, or certain kidney conditions. Additionally, it may interact with other medications, such as those used to treat diabetes or certain psychiatric disorders, so healthcare professionals should be informed of all current medications before initiating guanethidine therapy.
Common Misspellings for GUANETHIDINE
- fuanethidine
- vuanethidine
- buanethidine
- huanethidine
- yuanethidine
- tuanethidine
- gyanethidine
- ghanethidine
- gjanethidine
- gianethidine
- g8anethidine
- g7anethidine
- guznethidine
- gusnethidine
- guwnethidine
- guqnethidine
- guabethidine
- guamethidine
- guajethidine
- guahethidine
Etymology of GUANETHIDINE
The word "Guanethidine" is derived from its chemical structure and composition. It is composed of the base word "guanidine" and the suffix "-thidine".
The term "guanidine" originates from the compound guanine, which was first isolated from guano, the excrement of birds and bats. The name guanine itself comes from the Spanish word "guano", meaning dung.
The suffix "-thidine" is a common ending used in chemical nomenclature for drugs with certain chemical characteristics, generally referring to a primary amine group being attached to a benzene ring.
Therefore, "Guanethidine" essentially refers to a drug that contains the guanidine structure in combination with the "-thidine" suffix to denote its chemical nature.
