Bretylium Tosylate in the Treatment of Hypertension

A seven months trial involving twenty-seven patients with the new hypotensive agent bretylium is described. This drug selectively blocks adrenergic nerve transmission and leads to marked postural falls in blood pressure. It is free from parasympathetic blocking effects such as blurred vision, constipation and bladder atony, but other, generally milder side effects have been noted. The drug is incompletely absorbed when given by mouth. Advantages and disadvantages of this new compound are discussed and its likely future place in the hypotensive drug regime has been considered.