METARAMINOL

“ARAMINE”

1) Therapeutic drug action & mechanism(pharmacology)

• Sympathomimetic

• Acts on both a and b₁- receptors but has no effect on b₂-receptors

• Causes peripheral vasoconstriction [a-receptor]; positive inotropic effect [b₁-receptors]

• Consequently increases systemic BP (both systolic & diastolic)

2) Indications

• Acute hypotension

• Indicated in acute hypotensive states (MI; septicaemia; sympathectomy;adjunct in cardiac arrest)

3) Effects on organs—side effects

• tachycardias, arrhythmias, reduced renal blood flow

4) Toxic effects/ precautions with administration

• Caution to avoid excessive hypertension as may cause cerebral haemorrhage, pulmonary oedema and cardiac arrhythmias and arrest

• Caution when given to patients on MAO inhibitors

5) Contraindications

6) Reversal, antagonism or antidote

7) Loading dose, maintenance dose, frequency & method of administration

• 10mg/ml ampoule made up into 20 mls with N/S [0.5 mg/ml]

8) Drug’s metabolism—Drug’s excretion—Half life (pharmacokinetics)

• After I.V. administration: action within 2 min; last 20 min to 1 hour