HEXAMETHONIUM COMPOUNDS Meaning and
Definition
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Hexamethonium compounds refer to a class of synthetic organic substances that possess a hexamethonium cation. The hexamethonium cation is a quaternary ammonium compound containing six methyl (CH3) groups attached to a central nitrogen atom. These compounds are primarily characterized by their pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications.
Hexamethonium compounds are generally used as ganglionic blockers or ganglionic blocking agents. Ganglionic blockers are substances that block the transmission of nerve impulses at the ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cell bodies outside of the central nervous system. By blocking or inhibiting these ganglia, hexamethonium compounds decrease nervous system activity, particularly in the autonomic ganglia, thus resulting in various physiological effects.
These compounds are commonly employed to treat conditions associated with excessive nervous system function, such as hypertension (high blood pressure). By reducing the activity of the autonomic nervous system, hexamethonium compounds help to lower blood pressure and control heart rate. Additionally, hexamethonium compounds may be used as pre-anesthetic medications to temporarily relax or paralyze muscles and reduce secretions during surgery.
As with any medication, the use of hexamethonium compounds can be associated with certain side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, and decreased sweating. Due to the specificity of their pharmacological action, these compounds generally require careful monitoring and should only be used under medical supervision to ensure their safe and effective usage.
Common Misspellings for HEXAMETHONIUM COMPOUNDS
- gexamethonium compounds
- bexamethonium compounds
- nexamethonium compounds
- jexamethonium compounds
- uexamethonium compounds
- yexamethonium compounds
- hwxamethonium compounds
- hsxamethonium compounds
- hdxamethonium compounds
- hrxamethonium compounds
- h4xamethonium compounds
- h3xamethonium compounds
- hezamethonium compounds
- hecamethonium compounds
- hedamethonium compounds
- hesamethonium compounds
- hexzmethonium compounds
- hexsmethonium compounds
- hexwmethonium compounds
- hexqmethonium compounds
Etymology of HEXAMETHONIUM COMPOUNDS
The term "Hexamethonium" is derived from the combination of two parts: "hexa-" and "methonium".
1. "Hexa-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "hexa", meaning six. In chemistry, the prefix "hexa-" is used to indicate the presence of six atoms or groups of atoms.
2. "Methonium" is a suffix derived from the compound "methonium chloride". It is formed by combining "meth-" from the word "methyl" and "-onium", which refers to a positively charged ion. "Methyl" is derived from the Greek word "methy" meaning "wine" and "-yl" indicating the presence of a single carbon atom.
So, "Hexamethonium" refers to a compound with six methonium substituents, each consisting of a methyl group attached to a positively charged ion.
