[Interactions of hypotensive agents]

Drug interactions are an important and often under-appreciated cause of adverse clinical outcomes. They are classified as pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, or both. Pharmacokinetic interactions occur when one drug modifies the other drug's absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion. Recently, several scientific advances, particulary in cytochrome P-450 drug-metabolizing enzymes, have revolutionized the study of drug interactions. This review considers the metabolic mechanisms for several clinically important drug interactions that involve major classes of hypotensive agents. Although it is not possible for an individual health practitioner to recognize all clinically important drug interactions, it is possible to understand the important scientific principles that pertain to this topic.