Side effects due to treatment of hypertension with prazosin

Abstract

Prazosin is a new antihypertensive agent which has recently become available. Its antihypertensive action is said to be due to phosphodiesterase inhibition in arteriolar smooth muscle. Early reports indicated that postural hypotension should not be a major problem, and only a few patients had had other side effects. This apparent freedom from side effects would make it very useful, particularly in elderly patients. The authors have used this drug in a total of eight patients, two in hospital, and six in general practice. Both hospital cases and five others developed severe side effects after starting Prazosin.