Summary
A review of the pharmacology or debrisoquine sulphate (Declinax) is presented. It is a post-ganglionic sympathetic blocker which appears to reduce blood pressure by interfering with the release of noradrenaline.
An account of our experience with debrisoquine in 29 selected patients is presented. Good control of mean standing diastolic blood pressure was achieved in 28 of these patients in hospital. 24 of these patients were available for follow-up after out-patient treatment for six months or more. Blood pressure control remained good in 12 cases, fair in 7 cases and poor in 5.
The principal side effect noted was orthostatic hypotension. This was corrected by reduction of dose, often at the expense of the quality of general blood pressure control. Other side effects included: an unpleasant taste, dizziness and impotence.
Our initial experiences with debrisoquine are encouraging and we are at present conducting a within-patient comparison of debrisoquine and methyldopa. We hope to present the results of this study at a later date.
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Heffernan, A.G.A., Carty, A.T. Clinical observations on the use of debrisoquine sulphate (Declinax) in the treatment of hypertension. I. J. Med. Sc. 3, 37–43 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02958732
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02958732