more concern over ‘dangerous antihypertensive treatment’
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MORE CONCERN OVER 'DANGEROUS ANTIHYPERTENSIVE TREATMENT'
Reservations are expressed over the introduction of combined tablets of ~-blockers with a diuretic for treating hypertension. The effect of the 2 agents used together will simply be additive. A recent editorial and 2 reported cases of blindness drew attention to the dangers oflowering BP too rapidly [see inpharma No 200: p4 08 Aug 1979)]. Two more writers' experience supports the conclusion that rapid BP reduction, particularly by the IV route, may be dangerous. They have also seen a cerebral infarction within a few days of starting oral hypotensive therapy. Thus , either a ~-blocker or a diuretic should be used first. If a second agent needs to be added, it is 'eminently suitable' to give the 2 agents in I tablet, minimising the number of tablets to be taken. Promotion of the combined tablets should be preceded by advice to give either agent alone first. Barritt . D.W. and Marshall. AJ.: British Medical Journal 2: 606 (8 Sep 1979)
2 .INPHARMA 22 Sep 1979 0156-2703/79/ 0922-0002 $0 .50/0 © ADIS-Press