Ismelin

Generic Name: Guanethidine monosulfate
Product Name: Ismelin

Indication

Ismelin is used to provide pain relief is the arms and legs. It can provide pain relief for up to two weeks.

Action

Guanethidine inhibits the sympathetic nervous system in the limb it is used in. Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system will produce dilatation of the blood vessels and will also provide pain relief

Dose advice

Regional intravenous sympathetic (RIS) block.
Upper limb: Guanethidine 10 to 20 mg in 10 to 25 mL normal saline containing heparin 500 IU.
Lower limb: Guanethidine 15 to 30 mg in 15 to 50 mL normal saline containing heparin 1000 IU.
These doses will produce pain relief and vasodilatation for a minimum of two to three days.
These doses can be administered weekly or at longer intervals depending on the how long the effect of Guanethidine last. A maximum of 12 injections can be given in a year

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

­Dizziness
­Fatigue
­Low blood pressure
­Nausea

Uncommon side effects

­Impaired concentration
­Blurred of vision
­Tremor
­Muscle aches
­Headache
­Depression
­Fluid retention
­Diarrhoea
­Vomiting
­Dryness of the mouth
­Nasal congestion
­Impotence
Dermatitis
­Hair loss

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For further information talk to your doctor.