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Antihypertensive Therapy in the Geriatric Patient: II. A Review of the Alpha 1 ‐Adrenergic Blocking Agents
Author(s) -
Studer Julie A.,
Piepho Robert W.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
the journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.92
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1552-4604
pISSN - 0091-2700
DOI - 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1993.tb03896.x
Subject(s) - doxazosin , terazosin , medicine , prazosin , blood pressure , ketanserin , urapidil , pharmacology , alpha (finance) , heart rate , surgery , antagonist , 5 ht receptor , receptor , hyperplasia , serotonin , construct validity , patient satisfaction
The prevalence of hypertension increases with age. Multiple physiologic factors are involved in the development of hypertension in the elderly. Alpha 1 ‐adrenergic blocking agents lower blood pressure through a reduction in total peripheral resistance. Prazosin, terazosin, and doxazosin have been shown to be equally effective in reducing blood pressure in older persons. The bioavailability, terminal elimination half‐life, and volume of distribution of prazosin is increased in the elderly. Hybrid drugs, such as ketanserin, urapidil, and indoramin are also effective in lowering blood pressure. Ketanserin seems to have a greater effect on blood pressure reduction in persons older than 60 years of age. Alpha 1 ‐adrenergic blockers may be used safely in patients with diabetes, asthma, and hyperlipidemia.