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Methyldopa combined with prindolol in the treatment of severe hypertension


Y.K. Seedat

Abstract

In a clinical trial of 30 patients suffering from severe hypertension (diastolic blood pressure above 130 mmHg) the combination of methyldopa and prindolol produced a satisfactory drop in blood pressure; a further 2 patients were satisfactorily controlled with the addition of furosemide 40 mg daily. Side-effects were few, and this trial was characterised by the absence of postural hypotension; this combination did not enhance central nervous system side-effects. A synergistic effect between methyldopa and ,a-adrenergic blocking agents as regards their hypotensive effect may exist, and the combination may be a better alternative to use than sympatholytic agents such as guanethidine or bethanidine sulphate in the treatment of severe hypertension.

S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1608 (1974)

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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574