Clinical studies with ketanserin in hypertension

To assess efficacy and side effects during chronic oral therapy, we studied the effect of ketanserin (Kn) in 17 hypertensive patients for a period up to 1 year. Ketanserin controlled blood pressure satisfactorily in 25%, in part in 50% and had little or no effect in 25%. Reduction in diastolic pressure equalled that in systolic pressure at rest and after exercise and during handgrip. Pulse rate was slowed. Dosage in excess of 60 mg of Kn per day caused troublesome central nervous system symptoms or headache in some patients. A nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug appeared to antagonize the antihypertensive effect of Kn in one patient. Red cell rigidity and platelet aggregation to ADP and collagen were significantly decreased. Serum potassium and uric acid were significantly decreased; serum creatinine increased during Kn treatment. The antihypertensive and pulse slowing effects of Kn were confirmed during the year's study, in a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study.