Mibefradil Dihydrochloride, pronounced /maɪbiːfrədɪl daɪˌhaɪdrəˈklɔːraɪd/ is a medication used for treating hypertension and angina pectoris. The word "Mibefradil" is a compound word derived from "Mibe" and "Fradil", while "Dihydrochloride" is a combination of two chemical names: "Di" (meaning two), "Hydro" (meaning water), and "Chloride" (a negative ion). The phonetic transcription helps explain the word's spelling, which denotes the correct pronunciation and interpretation of the word's constituent parts. This medication is no longer available in the United States due to safety concerns.
Mibefradil dihydrochloride is a pharmaceutical compound with various pharmacological properties. It is an antihypertensive drug belonging to the class of calcium channel blockers. This compound is used primarily for the treatment of hypertension, also commonly known as high blood pressure.
As a calcium channel blocker, mibefradil dihydrochloride acts by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells, specifically the cells lining the blood vessels. By doing so, it relaxes and widens the blood vessels, reducing the resistance to blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
It is important to note that mibefradil dihydrochloride is usually prescribed as an adjunct treatment alongside changes in lifestyle, such as diet modifications, exercise, and stress reduction practices. It is not recommended for use as a standalone treatment for hypertension.
Due to its calcium channel blocking effect, mibefradil dihydrochloride has also been investigated for its potential in the treatment of other conditions such as angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting or altering any medication regimen, as they will have a comprehensive understanding of an individual's medical history and can determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
The word "Mibefradil" is a unique pharmaceutical name that does not have a specific etymology. It is a coined term created by the pharmaceutical company that developed the drug.
However, the second part of the term, "Dihydrochloride", has a clearer origin. "Dihydro" is a prefix indicating that the compound has two hydrogen atoms less than the parent compound, while "chloride" refers to a compound containing chlorine. So "Dihydrochloride" indicates that the compound has two hydrogen atoms replaced by chlorine atoms.