Propranolol and newer antihypertensive drugs in the management of hypertension.

Abstract

Among the newer antihypertensive agents are the beta-blocking drugs, such as propranolol. These agents are useful as second-step drugs to be used if diuretic therapy alone is not effective. In mild to moderately severe hypertension, propranolol, in does of up to 480 mg/day in combination with a thiazide diuretic, has been found to be effective in over 80% of patients on long-term therapy. This degree of response is essentially similar to that noted with a combination of reserpine and a diuretic agent. Although some observers believe that propranolol produces many fewer side effects than the other step 2 drugs (reserpine and alpha-methyldopa), there are some patients who do experience restlessness, insomnia, and depression. Clonidine may be substituted for another step 2 drug, is of moderate potency, but may not be tolerated by a large number of patients because of the severe dry mouth and drowsiness that it produces. Prazosin appears to be a suitable substitute for hydralazine as an effective vasodialator if thiazides plus propranolol or thiazides plus reserpine or alpha-methyldopa are not effective. In some instances, it many be an acceptable second-step drug because of its alpha-adrenoreceptor-blocking properties. The angiotensin II competitive inhibitors or converting enzyme inhibitors may in the future have some place in the management of hypertension.

• Authors: M Moser
• Journal: Advances in cardiology (Adv Cardiol) Vol. 26 Pg. 38-43 ( 1979) ISSN: 0065-2326 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 420060 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Diuretics
• Vasodilator Agents
• Angiotensin II
• Minoxidil
• Propranolol
• Saralasin
• Clonidine
• Prazosin

Topics

• Angiotensin II (analogs & derivatives)
• Clonidine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Diuretics (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypertension (drug therapy)
• Minoxidil (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Prazosin (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Propranolol (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Saralasin (therapeutic use)
• Vasodilator Agents (therapeutic use)