HEXAMETHONIUM CHLORIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Hexamethonium chloride is a chemical compound consisting of six methyl groups attached to a nitrogen atom, which is further combined with a chloride ion. It belongs to the class of quaternary ammonium compounds and is mainly used as a pharmacological agent.
Hexamethonium chloride acts as a ganglionic blocker, meaning it selectively blocks the transmission of nerve signals in the autonomic ganglia. Autonomic ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies found along the spinal cord and are responsible for the transmission of signals related to involuntary bodily processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
By blocking the transmission of these signals, hexamethonium chloride exhibits paralyzing effects on the autonomic nervous system. This can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a reduction in gastrointestinal motility.
Hexamethonium chloride has been utilized in medical research and clinical practice as a tool to study the autonomic nervous system and its various functions. It has also found application as an antihypertensive agent, used to treat high blood pressure. However, due to its potential side effects and the development of more effective medications, its use as a therapeutic drug has diminished in recent years.
In summary, hexamethonium chloride is a compound that acts as a ganglionic blocker by inhibiting the transmission of nerve signals in autonomic ganglia, resulting in effects such as reduced blood pressure and heart rate.
Common Misspellings for HEXAMETHONIUM CHLORIDE
- gexamethonium chloride
- bexamethonium chloride
- nexamethonium chloride
- jexamethonium chloride
- uexamethonium chloride
- yexamethonium chloride
- hwxamethonium chloride
- hsxamethonium chloride
- hdxamethonium chloride
- hrxamethonium chloride
- h4xamethonium chloride
- h3xamethonium chloride
- hezamethonium chloride
- hecamethonium chloride
- hedamethonium chloride
- hesamethonium chloride
- hexzmethonium chloride
- hexsmethonium chloride
- hexwmethonium chloride
- hexqmethonium chloride
Etymology of HEXAMETHONIUM CHLORIDE
The word "Hexamethonium" is derived from two components: hexa- and methonium.
- The prefix "hexa-" comes from the Greek word "hex" (ἕξ) meaning "six". In chemistry, it is used to indicate the presence of six atoms or groups.
- "Methonium" is a term derived from "methyl group" with the ending "-onium". A methyl group (-CH3) consists of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. "-onium" is used to denote a positively charged ion or a compound with a positive charge.
Therefore, "hexamethonium" refers to a compound with six methyl groups or substituents.
"Chloride" is derived from the element "chlorine" and is commonly used to refer to the negatively charged ion Cl-.
