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Tenathan: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Tenathan - General Information

A guanidinium antihypertensive agent that acts by blocking adrenergic transmission.

 

Pharmacology of Tenathan

Tenathan is a guanidinium antihypertensive agent that acts by blocking adrenergic transmission. The precise mode of action is not clear. Although bethanidine may produce adverse effects, they are beneficial in severe hypertension and produce fewer side effects than guanethidine.

 

Tenathan for patients

Caution in cardiovascular disease and in history of peptic ulceration.

 

Tenathan Interactions

 

Tenathan Contraindications

  • Phaeochromocytoma
  • Phaeochromocytoma, malignant
  • Heart failure
  • Adverse reaction to phenoxybenzamine
  • Adverse reaction to phentolamine mesilate
  • Adverse reaction to trimetaphan camsilate
  • Adverse reaction to diazoxide
  • Adverse reaction to hydralazine
  • Adverse reaction to other antihypertensives
  • Adverse reaction to betanidine

 

Additional information about Tenathan

Tenathan Indication

For the treatment of hypertension.

Mechanism Of Action
Tenathan, a guanidine derivative, is a peripherally acting antiadrenergic agent. Tenathan effectively decreases blood pressure by suppressing renin secretion or interfering with function of the sympathetic nervous system.
Generic Name
Bethanidine
Synonyms
Betanidin; Betanidine; Bethanidine sulfate
Drug Category
Adrenergic Agents; Antihypertensive Agents; Sympatholytics
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Bethanidine
Esbatal; Regulin; Tenathan;
Absorption
Absorbed rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration.
Half Life
9 hours (range 7 to 11 hours)
Dosage Forms of Tenathan
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
(2S)-1-[(2E)-2-[(2S)-2,6-dicarboxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyridin-4-ylidene]ethylidene]-5,6-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydroindol-1-ium-2-carboxylate
Chemical Formula
C18H16N2O8
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals