Mecamylamine
Vecamyl is a brand-name antihypertensive medication containing mecamylamine, a ganglionic nicotinic receptor antagonist. It works by blocking acetylcholine receptors at autonomic nerve ganglia, reducing sympathetic tone and lowering blood pressure. This medication is used to treat hypertension when other treatments are inadequate or not tolerated.
Vecamyl is a ganglion-blocking antihypertensive used to treat high blood pressure by blocking nicotinic receptors in the autonomic nervous system.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1373003
- Generic
- Vecamyl
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Vecamyl is indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It may be considered when other antihypertensive agents are ineffective or not tolerated by the patient.
Vecamyl contains mecamylamine, which acts as a non-competitive antagonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in autonomic ganglia. By blocking these receptors, it inhibits the transmission of nerve impulses through the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in reduced sympathetic tone and decreased blood pressure.
This medication has largely been replaced by newer antihypertensive agents with more favorable side effect profiles. Common adverse effects include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and orthostatic hypotension. It should be used with caution and under close medical supervision. Patients should not discontinue this medication abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy