Within patient comparison of prazosin and UK-33,274. A new alpha-adrenoceptor-antagonist.

Eleven patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension received increasing single daily doses of UK-33,274, a new alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonist, and prazosin for 4 days, in a open cross-over study. Doses were increased until a satisfactory blood pressure response was obtained. Average doses reached were 4.5 mg for UK-33,274 and 2.4 mg for prazosin. The maximum effect of the two drugs on standing blood pressure was similar, but prazosin was more effective in the supine position. Both drugs had a greater effect on standing than on supine blood pressure. UK-33,274 caused a consistent increase in heart rate while prazosin did not. Whereas there was no clear difference between the two compounds in the duration of the reduction in blood pressure the onset of action was more gradual for UK-33,274. The incidence of side-effects was similar for both drugs. The data suggest that UK-33,274 is less effective than prazosin in reducing blood pressure.