Phentolamine: profile and news

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Other information

Indication
Female sexual dysfunction

Pharmacology
Phentolamine is indicated for the control of episodes of hypertension and sweating that occur with a disease called pheochromocytoma. If tachycardia is excessive, it may be necessary to use a beta-blocking agent concomitantly. Phentolamine is a long-acting, adrenergic, alpha-receptor blocking agent which can produce and maintain "chemical sympathectomy" by oral administration. It increases blood flow to the skin, mucosa and abdominal viscera, and lowers both supine and erect blood pressures. It has no effect on the parasympathetic system. Phentolamine works by blocking alpha receptors in certain parts of the body. Alpha receptors are present in the muscle that lines the walls of blood vessels. When the receptors are blocked by Phentolamine, the muscle relaxes and the blood vessels widen. This widening of the blood vessels results in a lowering of blood pressure.

Mechanism Of Action
Phentolamine produces its therapeutic actions by blocking alpha receptors, leading to a muscle relaxation and a widening of the blood vessels. This widening of the blood vessels results in a lowering of blood pressure.

Drug Category
Antihypertensive Agents; Sympatholytics; ATC:C04AB01; ATC:G04BE05

Brand Names/Synonyms
Phenotolamine; Phentalamine; Phentolamine Mesilate; Phentolamine Mesylate; Phentolamine Mesylate [Usan]; Phentolamine Methanesulfonate; Phentolamine Methanesulphonate; Phentolamine, Methyl Sulfonate; Regitin; Regitin Methanesulphonate; Regitine; Regitine Mesylate; Regitine Methanesulfonate; Regitipe; Rogitine

Dosage Forms
LIQUID

Absorption
Not Available

Interactions
Interactions for Phentolamine: Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma - phentolamine blocking test. The test is most reliable in detecting pheochromocytoma in patients with sustained hypertension and least reliable in those with paroxysmal hypertension. False-positive tests may occur in patients with hypertension without pheochromocytoma.

Chemical IUPAC Name
3-[4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl-(4-methylphenyl)-amino]phenol

Chemical Formula
C17H19N3O

Half Life
19 minutes

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00615

CAS Registry Number
50-60-2