mekamylamin

Mecamylamine, sometimes spelled mecamylamine, is a non-depolarizing antagonist of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that acts as an autonomic ganglion blocker. By inhibiting transmission at nicotinic receptors in both sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia, it reduces autonomic outflow and can lower blood pressure. It is capable of oral administration and can cross the blood–brain barrier, giving it effects in both peripheral and central nervous system sites.

Historically, mecamylamine was used as an oral antihypertensive agent. Its use has declined due to poor tolerability and the risk of significant autonomic side effects, such as orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, dizziness-related falls, and urinary retention. Because of these adverse effects, it is rarely used as a first-line therapy today and is instead more common in research contexts or in exploratory attempts to aid smoking cessation in combination with other treatments.

In research and clinical investigation, mecamylamine has been studied as a tool to block nicotinic receptors in order to understand autonomic regulation or to modulate nicotine dependence, with mixed results. Side effects and safety concerns limit its routine clinical use, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or those at risk for fainting on standing.

Availability and regulation vary by country; in many regions it is not a first-line prescription drug and may be encountered mainly in research settings or historical reviews of autonomic pharmacology.