The clinical pharmacology of vasodilator antihypertensive drugs.

Vasodilator antihypertensive agents are defined and classified according to their mechanism and site of action. The effects of minoxidil, in combination with propranolol and a diuretic, on renal blood flow and renal function were studied following acute and chronic therapy. Although renal blood flow is reduced after two weeks on minoxidil, renal blood flow and renal function are not compromised after one year. The haemodynamic effects and pharmacokinetic profile of acute dosing with tolmesoxide, a new vasodilator antihypertensive agent are described. Results suggest that the long-term efficacy and safety of this drug are worth studying.