Hypotensive effect of some antihypertensive drugs

Abstract

Chlorothiazide consistently caused a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the onset of the former appearing before the latter. Hydrochlorothiazide caused comparable decreases. Reserpine in combination with hydrochlorothiazide caused slightly greater decreases than hydrochlorothiazide alone. Hydrogenated ergot alkaloids given in combination with hydrochlorothiazide caused a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure comparable to that of chlorothiazide and reserpine. In the sitting position, guanethidine caused a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure not significantly different from the pressure obtained by the administration of an oral placebo. However, when the patient was in the standing position, the drug induced significantly greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure than did the oral placebo. α‐Methyldopa caused a significant decrease in the systolic blood pressure and a more variable reduction in diastolic blood pressure.In a group of patients with blood pressure over 200/120 mm. Hg, there was a significant decrease in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure after an oral placebo. On the other hand, a group of patients with blood pressure under 200/120 mm. Hg did not have a decrease in systolic or diastolic blood pressure after oral placebo.