Biomaterial Database

Comparative studies of guanfacine and methyldopa. 1980

A Roeckel, and A Heidland

1. The antihypertensive effects of the new phenylacetylguanidine compound, guanfacine, a sympathetic inhibitor with a central site of action, were compared with methyldopa in 20 out-patients with essential or renal hypertension (WHO grade I-II). 2. During a 6-week period in randomized cross-over conditions, guanfacine 3.5 mg daily caused a mean decrease of 24% in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). A normalization of blood pressure (BP < 145/95 mm Hg) was achieved in 50% of the patients and a 'good control' (BP < 160/100 mm Hg; > 145/95 mm Hg) in 90%. 3. Methyldopa 1.2 g daily led to a mean decrease in MAP of 12%. Normalization of blood pressure occurred in 15% and a 'good control' was achieved with 45% of the patients. Failure due to intolerance or ineffectiveness was observed in 40% of patients. 4. During therapy with guanfacine the following side-effects were noted: dryness of the mouth (n = 5), marked sedation (n = 2), constipation (n = 2), orthostasis (n = 1), collapse (n = 1) and atrioventricular block grade I on ECG (n = 1). Methyldopa caused headaches (n = 4), gastrointestinal disturbances (n = 4) and dryness of the mouth (n = 1). 5. The experience so far available seems to indicate that guanfacine is an effective antihypertensive drug which is more active than methyldopa in the doses used in this study.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D006973	Hypertension	Persistently high systemic arterial BLOOD PRESSURE. Based on multiple readings (BLOOD PRESSURE DETERMINATION), hypertension is currently defined as when SYSTOLIC PRESSURE is consistently greater than 140 mm Hg or when DIASTOLIC PRESSURE is consistently 90 mm Hg or more.	Blood Pressure, High,Blood Pressures, High,High Blood Pressure,High Blood Pressures
D008297	Male		Males
D008750	Methyldopa	An alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that has both central and peripheral nervous system effects. Its primary clinical use is as an antihypertensive agent.	Methyldopate,alpha-Methyldopa,Aldomet,Alphamethyldopa,Apo-Methyldopa,Dopamet,Dopegit,Dopegyt,Dopergit,Hydopa,Meldopa,Nu-Medopa,Sembrina,alpha-Methyl-L-Dopa,Apo Methyldopa,Nu Medopa,alpha Methyl L Dopa,alpha Methyldopa
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D010648	Phenylacetates	Derivatives of phenylacetic acid. Included under this heading are a variety of acid forms, salts, esters, and amides that contain the benzeneacetic acid structure. Note that this class of compounds should not be confused with derivatives of phenyl acetate, which contain the PHENOL ester of ACETIC ACID.	Benzeneacetates,Benzeneacetic Acids,Phenylacetic Acids,Acids, Benzeneacetic,Acids, Phenylacetic
D001794	Blood Pressure	PRESSURE of the BLOOD on the ARTERIES and other BLOOD VESSELS.	Systolic Pressure,Diastolic Pressure,Pulse Pressure,Pressure, Blood,Pressure, Diastolic,Pressure, Pulse,Pressure, Systolic,Pressures, Systolic
D002986	Clinical Trials as Topic	Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries.	Clinical Trial as Topic
D005260	Female		Females
D006146	Guanidines	A family of iminourea derivatives. The parent compound has been isolated from mushrooms, corn germ, rice hulls, mussels, earthworms, and turnip juice. Derivatives may have antiviral and antifungal properties.
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man