The Sound of Evolution
Guanadrel
Mechanism of action:
Guanadrel is an adrenergic neuron blocker. Within sympathetic neurons, guanadrel accumulates at nerve terminals and near storage vesicles, gradually replacing norepinephrine stored in the vesicles and reducing the amount of releasable norepinephrine. When the nerves are stimulated, sympathetic stimulation of the heart and blood vessels is markedly weakened because norepinephrine stores are depleted and its release is impaired, resulting in reduced peripheral vascular tone and decreased cardiac sympathetic drive.
Reference(s):
1. Malinow SH et al. (1983). Comparison of guanadrel and guanethidine efficacy and side effects. Clin Ther.
2. Finnerty FA Jr et al. (1985). Guanadrel. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and therapeutic use in hypertension. Drugs.
3. Palmer JD et al. (1983). Guanadrel sulfate: a postganglionic sympathetic inhibitor for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. Pharmacotherapy.