What is Inversine used for?

Inversine is indicated for Moderately severe to severe essential hypertension, Uncomplicated malignant hypertension.

Inversine is developed by Targacept.

What development phase is Inversine in?

Inversine is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Inversine?

Common side effects include Ileus, Constipation, Vomiting, Nausea, Anorexia, Glossitis.

What is the generic name of Inversine?

MECAMYLAMINE is the generic (nonproprietary) name of Inversine.

Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Inversine (MECAMYLAMINE)

Targacept · FDA-approved approved Small molecule Quality 48/100

Inversine (meacamylamine) is a marketed drug primarily indicated for moderately severe to severe essential hypertension, with a key composition patent expiring in 2028. Its mechanism of action, blocking acetylcholine at autonomic ganglia, differentiates it from other antihypertensive agents, providing a unique therapeutic option for patients. The primary risk is the competitive landscape, including off-patent drugs like atracurium and carbachol, which may limit Inversine's market share and revenue potential.

At a glance

Generic name	MECAMYLAMINE
Sponsor	Targacept
Drug class	Autonomic Ganglionic Blocker
Target	Neuronal acetylcholine receptor; alpha3/beta2
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Neuroscience
Phase	FDA-approved
First approval	1956

Approved indications

Moderately severe to severe essential hypertension
Uncomplicated malignant hypertension

Common side effects

Ileus
Constipation
Vomiting
Nausea
Anorexia
Glossitis
Dryness of mouth
Orthostatic dizziness and syncope
Postural hypotension
Convulsions
Choreiform movements
Mental aberrations

Drug interactions

antibiotics and sulfonamides
anesthesia
other antihypertensive drugs
alcohol

Key clinical trials

Cholinergic Health After Menopause (CHAMP) (EARLY_PHASE1)
Treatment of Orthostatic Intolerance (PHASE1,PHASE2)
Cholinergic Mechanisms of Attention in Aging (EARLY_PHASE1)
Attentional Mechanisms in SCD (EARLY_PHASE1)
The Nicotinic Cholinergic System and Cognitive Aging (PHASE1)
Mecamylamine for Autonomic Dysreflexia Prophylaxis (PHASE4)
Nicotinic Modulation of the Default Network (NA)
Treatment With Mecamylamine in Smoking and Non-smoking Alcohol Dependent Patients (PHASE2)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Source	Used for
FDA label	Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Inversine CI brief — competitive landscape report
Inversine updates RSS · CI watch RSS