Antihypertensive drugs that alter adrenergic function

Antihypertensive drugs that alter the function of the adrenergic neuron make up one of the largest groups of medications used to treat elevated blood pressure. The mechanisms of action and clinical pharmacology of widely used antihypertensive drugs that interfere with adrenergic function are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of an understanding of the biochemistry of the adrenergic neuron and the subclassification of adrenoceptors for an appreciation of the mechanism of action and the side effects of these drugs.