The Role of Postganglionic Sympathetic Blockade in Antihypertensive Therapy

Abstract
Currently, neurogenic blockade is used as a supplement to sulfonamide-diuretics (with or without reserpine) when optimal antihypertensive control is not obtained with these drugs alone. Although the use of neurogenic blocking agents preceded that of sulfonamide-diuretics by ten years, the latter have become first in therapeutic choice. A combination of chlorthalidone and reserpine produced normotension in 58 of 100 ambulatory outpatients with moderate to severe essential hypertension. Twentytwo of 42 subjects with residual hypertension became normotensive when chlorthalidone-reserpine therapy was augmented with a postganglionic sympathetic blocking agent (debrisoquin sulfate). In the authors' opinion neurogenic blocking agents, or other potent antihypertensive drugs as adjuncts to sulfonamide-diuretics, are indicated in approximately 40% of patients with moderate or severe essential hypertension. Debrisoquin appears to be more practical, as a supplementary antihypertensive drug, than older related blocking agents.

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