Key result
Guanfacine monotherapy normalizes blood pressure in ~60% of hypertensive patients.
Why the study?
The efficacy and tolerability of low dose guanfacine once daily for treating mild to moderate hypertension in general practice required evaluation.
Does guanfacine monotherapy reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients in general practice?
Does guanfacine monotherapy reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients in general practice?
Low-dose once-daily guanfacine monotherapy effectively lowers blood pressure and is well tolerated in general practice patients with hypertension.
Should not yet change hypertension practice; leaves open guanfacine monotherapy efficacy for randomized trials.
SummaryIn an open multi-centre study, 48 hypertensive patients were treated by their general practitioner with guanfacine in monotherapy given once a day in the evening at doses ranging from 1 to 3 mg for 6 weeks. Blood pressure was normalized in about 60% and a good response was obtained in about 80% of the patients treated, mean arterial blood pressure decreasing by 14% on average. The mean daily dose was about 2 mg. No significant influence on heart rate was observed, although patients with high initial heart rates tended to need more guanfacine. Side-effects, when they occurred, were mostly mild. It is concluded that guanfacine, because of its efficacy, tolerance, simple dose regimen and high responder rate, can be regarded as a first-choice treatment in general practice for patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
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Westelinck et al. (1982) studied hypertension (n=48). guanfacine was evaluated on Blood pressure normalization. Guanfacine monotherapy (1-3 mg daily) for 6 weeks normalized blood pressure in approximately 60% of hypertensive patients, with mean arterial blood pressure decreasing by 14% on average.
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