Pharmacology of Antihypertensive Therapeutics (Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 93 / 1)

The previous volume on Antihypertensive Agents in the Handbook of Experi­ mental Pharmacology, published in 1977, was edited by the late Franz Gross from the Department of Pharmacology in Heidelberg, who was one of the grand old men in hypertension research. Now, more than 10 years later, it is necessary to update this volume. From the early days of antihypertensive drug treatment, starting about 30 years ago with drugs such as reserpine and guanethidine, the pharmacology of cardiovas"­ cular therapy has evolved into a highly sophisticated and effective therapeutic regimen. The major breakthroughs in the 1960s were the introduction of diuretics and beta-blockers. Then, in the 1980s, came the calcium antagonists and con­ verting enzyme inhibitors. It can be anticipated that the next decade will see a further expansion and sophistication of blood pressure lowering drugs. This book provides a state-of-the-art discussion of chemical, experimental, and clinical pharmacological data as well as of practical experience with drugs which are presently being used or which are going to be introduced on the market in the near future. The purpose of this volume is to provide a complete discussion of antihypertensive agents. Each major class of antihypertensive drugs is treated exhaustively in a separate chapter, fully referenced with chemical formulae, and richly illustrated with figures and tables. International authorities were asked to contribute in their respective fields of expertise. This handbook provides a complete state-of-the-art discussion of antihypertensive agents; it describes chemical, experimental and clinical pharmacological data as well as clinical experience with drugs which are presently being used or shortly to be introduced on the market. Each major class of antihypertensive drugs is treated exhaustively in separate chapters with full references, chemical formulae, and numerous figures and tables. The contributing authors are international experts well-known in their respective fields. New areas of drug development are extensively examined and give the reader excellent insight into the directions in which the drug market is moving. Two highlights are the special chapters devoted to toxicity testing of antihypertensive drugs and traditions of antihypertensive therapy on different continents. An extremely practical catalogue of antihypertensive drugs with international generic and trade names and cross-referencing is included at the end of the handbook. For the practicing physician, it is imperative to have up-to-date and full unbiased information not only on the classical first line drugs, but also on the many new drugs being developed at the present time. In this handbook he will be able to obtain background information as well as practical advice for therapy with respect to differential therapy, side effects, combination of drugs and counterindications. The experimental pharmacologist will find detailed chemical and experimental information and complete references Front Matter....Pages I-XIV Basis for the Treatment of Hypertension: Some Considerations Concerning the Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention of Hypertension....Pages 1-20 Diuretics....Pages 21-63 β-Blockers....Pages 65-104 α-Adrenoceptor Antagonists....Pages 105-129 Drugs Acting on Multiple Receptors: β-Blockers with Additional Properties....Pages 131-226 Centrally Acting Drugs (Clonidine, Methyldopa, Guanfacine)....Pages 227-262 Rauwolfia Alkaloids (Reserpine)....Pages 263-285 Guanethidine and Related Compounds....Pages 287-299 Calcium Antagonists....Pages 301-375 Converting Enzyme Inhibitors....Pages 377-481 Renin Inhibitors....Pages 483-505 Prostaglandins....Pages 507-531 Interferences with 5-Hydroxytryptamine....Pages 533-558 Interferences with Dopamine....Pages 559-595 Peptides in Hypertension....Pages 597-642 Antihypertensive Agents Which Open Smooth Muscle K Channels....Pages 643-676 Principles in the Combination of Antihypertensive Drugs....Pages 677-685 Electrolyte Intake in the Treatment of Hypertension....Pages 687-708 Natural Agents and Extracts....Pages 709-739 Stepwise Treatment of Hypertension....Pages 741-763 Prognosis of Treated and Untreated Hypertension....Pages 765-782 Toxicity Testing of Antihypertensive Drugs....Pages 783-807 Traditions of Antihypertensive Therapy in Different Countries....Pages 809-858 Listing of Antihypertensive Medications....Pages 859-899 Back Matter....Pages 901-922