| Indication | For the treatment of hypertension. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Bethanidine 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. |
| Mechanism of action | Bethanidine, a guanidine derivative, is a peripherally acting antiadrenergic agent which primarily acts as an alpha2a adrenergic agonist. Bethanidine effectively decreases blood pressure by suppressing renin secretion or interfering with function of the sympathetic nervous system. |
| Absorption | Absorbed rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | Not Available |
| Metabolism | Not Available |
| Route of elimination | Not Available |
| Half life | 9 hours (range 7 to 11 hours) |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Not Available |