The usefulness of alpha-adrenoceptor blockade in the treatment of hypertension.

The development of selective peripheral alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonists such as prazosin has produced a valuable class of antihypertensive agents. Side effects of fluid retention and reflex sympathetic stimulation usually limit these agents to third-line therapy but their combination with a beta-receptor antagonist and a diuretic provides a powerful regimen. Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists are useful in patients with conditions such as gout, diabetes or bronchospasm which preclude the use of other agents. Although many new drugs are being developed, little information is available yet on the long-term outcome of therapy with this class of drugs for patients with hypertension.