The role of alpha 1-blockers in combination therapy for hypertension
Zusman, R.M.
International Journal of Clinical Practice 54(1): 36-40
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 1368-5031 PMID: 10750258 Document Number: 523590
Antihypertensive monotherapy provides adequate blood pressure control in less than 50% of patients with hypertension (BP > 140/90 mmHg), especially those with stage 2-3 disease. This article reviews clinical studies that demonstrate that add-on therapy with an alpha1-blocker (doxazosin, terazosin or prazosin) is an effective and well-tolerated regimen for improving blood pressure control in patients with inadequately controlled hypertension. Furthermore, alpha1-blockers have therapeutic benefits that go beyond blood pressure management. They have a small but positive effect on the serum lipid profile and they have favourable or benign effects on conditions that frequently coexist with hypertension, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and benign prostatic hyperplasia.