ALPHA-1 BLOCKERS. A NEW GENERATION OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AGENTS

Summary Alpha‐1 blockers have certain disadvantages over conventional and antihypertensive therapies in their haemodynamic profile and metabolic effects. This paper reviews the development of a‐blockade, the therapeutic efficacy of prazosin, the prototype α‐1 blocker, and the rationale for the once‐daily antihypertensive compounds, terazosin and doxazosin. These drugs offer a useful alternative to first‐ or second‐line therapy in suitable hypertensive patients, particularly with their potentially beneficial effects on serum lipids.