Indication: For the treatment and prevention of hypotension due to hemorrhage, spinal anesthesia, and shock associated with brain damage
Pharmacology: Metaraminol is a potent sympathomimetic amine that increases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Metaraminol is indicated for prevention and treatment of the acute hypotensive state occurring with spinal anesthesia. It is also indicated as adjunctive treatment of hypotension due to hemorrhage, reactions to medications, surgical complications, and shock associated with brain damage due to trauma or tumor. Metaraminol acts on both α1-adrenergic receptors but appears to have no effect on β-adrenergic receptors. It acts by increasing the force of the heart's pumping action as well as constricting peripheral blood vessels.
Mechanism Of Action: Metaraminol acts through peripheral vasoconstriction by acting as a pure alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist, consequently increasing systemic blood pressure (both systolic & diastolic). Its effect is thought to be associated with the inhibition of adenyl cyclase which leads to an inhibition of the production of cAMP. Another effect of Metaraminol is that it releases norepinephrine from its storage sites indirectly.
Drug Category: Adrenergic Agents; Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; Sympathomimetics; Vasoconstrictor Agents; ATC:C01CA09
Absorption: The effect starts 1-2 min after IV injection, 10 min after IM injection, 5-20 min after subcutaneous injection.
Interactions:
DrugBank: Interactions for Metaraminol
Interactions for Metaraminol:
ARAMINE should be used with caution in digitalized patients, since the combination of digitalis and
sympathomimetic amines may cause ectopic arrhythmias.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants may potentiate the action of sympathomimetic amines.
Therefore, when initiating pressor therapy in patients receiving these drugs, the initial dose should be small and
given with caution.
Chemical IUPAC Name: 3-(2-amino-1-hydroxy-propyl)phenol
