TA: installment two coming up! -
From POL-Net here is Patient Information:
What does phentolamine injection do?
PHENTOLAMINE (Regitiner) treats a number of conditions. It helps to control the sweating and high blood pressure that occur with a disease called pheochromocytoma. Phentolamine can also help diagnose pheochromocytoma. Phentolamine can be used to treat tissue damage that occurs if certain intravenous (IV) medications accidentally leak from veins to tissues. Phentolamine increases blood flow, by expanding the blood vessels. Increase in blood flow to the penis can produce an erection in impotent men, although this is not an approved use. Generic phentolamine injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive phentolamine?
They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:
angina
previous heart attack
coronary disease
peptic ulcer
an unusual or allergic reaction to phentolamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Phentolamine is for injection into a vein. In most cases, phentolamine is not for self-medication. It is usually given under a doctor's supervision in a hospital or doctor's office.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What other medicines can interact with phentolamine?
alcohol
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines for high blood pressure
metaraminol
methoxamine
Tell your doctor or pharmacist: about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your doctor before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving phentolamine?
Serious side effects with phentolamine include:
dizziness or drowsiness
fainting spells
fast heartbeat
prolonged painful erection of the penis
Call your doctor as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.
Minor side effects with phentolamine include:
facial flushing
nasal stuffiness
nausea, vomiting
sexual difficulties for men
unusual tiredness
Let your doctor know about these side effects if they do not go away or if they annoy you.
What do I need to watch for while I receive phentolamine?
Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress.
You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how phentolamine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more drowsy, increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Dizziness can decrease once your body adjusts to this medicine.
Do not take non-prescription medicine for slimming, coughs and colds, hay fever or sinus problems without asking your doctor.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are receiving phentolamine.
If you are receiving phentolamine to diagnose pheochromocytoma, do not take any sedatives (drugs to help you sleep) or narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine or morphine) within 24 hours of your test.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
After mixing the injection solution use immediately, do not store. Throw away any unused portion.
Phentolamine Costs/Monitoring:
Drug Costs:
generic not available
Monitoring Costs
blood pressure
Total Cost of Therapy
5 mg inj: $50.00-59.99/ea.
I'll get the rest of the info; don't know how many characters will fit in one of these messages. Anyway, probably more exciting to read it in installments (g)
Dermot |
