Effects of Hexamethonium on Normal Individuals in Relation to Its Concentration in the Plasma

RDITISNAL 1299 increased.No evidence has been obtained why this phenomenon is seen to such a varying degree in all clinical groups, or why there is a maximum level of tolerance for a particular patient. SummaryA study is presented of 39 hypertensive patients on treatment with hexamethonium bromide by subcutaneous injection.The patients were drawn from the com- plicated-essential, malignant, or renal groups of hyper- tension, and uncomplicated cases were not included.Details of treatment routine and general management are given, as it is felt that these are of great importance in the achievement of successful results.Five patients died whilst on treatment and it was discontinued for various reasons in six others, but 28 patients received regular therapy for periods varying be- tween three and fifteen months and were seen at least once a month in the out-patient clinic.After the development of a very variable amount of J. F. Goodwin for the E.C.G. reports, and Dr. R. E. Steiner for the cardiac volume estimations.My thanks are also due to Messrs. May and Baker Ltd. for supplies of the drug, for techni- cal assistance, and for a grant towards the expenses of this investigation.