Flosequinan as a third agent for the treatment of hypertension: a placebo controlled, double-blind study

The acute and short term antihypertensive effect of flosequinan was determined in 16 hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was inadequately controlled despite treatment with a beta-adrenoceptor blocking agent and a diuretic. Erect and supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced by flosequinan over the treatment period as compared to placebo. Heart rate was unchanged by flosequinan. Adverse effects were limited to mild headache in 3 patients and taste disturbance in 1 patient, possibly due to salivary excretion of the drug. Flosequinan is a potentially useful vasodilator for the treatment of hypertension.