Preventing, detecting and managing adverse reactions of antihypertensive agents in the ambulant patient with essential hypertension.

The adverse reactions of antihypertensive agents are reviewed, including their clinical implications and suggested methods of preventing, detecting and managing them. The drugs discussed are: (1) diuretics--thiazides, furosemide, ethacrynic acid and spironolactone; (2) sympatholytics--reserpine, methyldopa, guanethidine, propranolol and clonidine; (3) vasodilators--hydralazine, prazosin and minoxidil. It is suggested that cooperative multi-disciplinary efforts should be undertaken to counteract the factors which contribute to improper use of antihypertensive agents.