Control of coronary heart disease risk factors with doxazosin as monotherapy and in combination therapy.

Although the pathology of essential hypertension is still unclear, studies have shown that doxazosin, a selective alpha 1-inhibitor, is able to effectively control mild-to-moderate hypertension. The aim of these two, noncomparative studies was to evaluate the efficacy and toleration of doxazosin when used as monotherapy and in combination with other antihypertensive agents. In study I, 154 patients with standing and sitting diastolic blood pressures (DBPs) ranging from 95 to 115 mm Hg were treated with once-daily doxazosin (1 to 8 mg) as monotherapy for 12 weeks. Both sitting and standing blood pressures were significantly reduced by doxazosin monotherapy. Target DBP of less than or equal to 90 mm Hg was achieved in 86% of patients after 12 weeks of therapy with doxazosin, and there was no change in heart rate. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly decreased by doxazosin, but there was no change in glucose levels. Minor side effects were seen in 17.5% of patients, and 2.6% discontinued therapy. In study II, 65 patients with DBPs ranging from 95 to 115 mm Hg on existing antihypertensive therapies were concomitantly treated with doxazosin (1 to 8 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. Target DBPs of less than or equal to 90 mm Hg was achieved in 71% of patients after 12 weeks of therapy with doxazosin. There was no change in heart rate throughout the treatment period, and plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels remained essentially unchanged. Three patients, each receiving a beta-blocker, a diuretic, and doxazosin, were withdrawn because of side effects. Minor side effects, which were considered drug related were seen in 21% of patients. Doxazosin is a drug with good antihypertensive efficacy and is well tolerated as monotherapy and in combination with beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and various combinations of these drugs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)