Trimethaphan

Production of controlled hypotension during surgery to reduce bleeding into the surgical field

Rapid reduction of BP in the treatment of hypertensive emergencies

• Treatment of acute dissecting aortic aneurysm, particularly when preexisting conditions make the use of beta=blockers a relative contraindication

• Emergency treatment of pulm edema in pts with pulm Htn associated with systemic Htn

May serve as an alternative to sodium nitroprusside for pts who are resistant to this drug or can be mixed with nitroprusside to decrease risk of cyanide toxicity from nitroprusside

High doses may cause profound hypotension and, rarely, respiratory arrest.

QRS prolongation has been seen during treatment.

Tachycardia, angina, or syncope may occur without warning.

Because of trimethaphan’s ability to cross the placenta, its ganglionic blocking effects may decrease GI motility in the fetus, resulting in meconium ileus or neonatal paralytic ileus.

CNS examination is limited by production of mydriasis.