Chapter 7 Antihypertensive Agents

Abstract

Publisher Summary The recent use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), which are categorized as vasodilators, has resulted in a reported improvement of the quality of life and a feeling of well being among hypertension patients. The clinical pharmacokinetics of ACEI has been the matter of interest. The chronic treatment of hypertensive patients with ACEI has been discussed with particular reference to efficacy, metabolic effects, and adverse effects. This chapter discusses the emerging trend to lower blood pressure by inducing peripheral vasodilation. The means by which this goal is achieved are quite varied, but in the final analysis all vasodilators are anticipated to promote good tissue perfusion while effectively reducing blood pressure. Renin inhibitors have also played a significant role in battling hypertension for a long time. Details concerning the synthesis and renin inhibitory activity have been studied. Several new mechanistic approaches to discovering the anti-hypertensive agents have been recently surfaced. BRL 34915— a new antihypertensive —that may act as a direct vasodilator opens membrane potassium channels at low concentrations affecting spike repolarization and at high concentrations, inducing hyperpolarization and inhibition of membrane excitatory agents.