Alpha-adrenoreceptor blockade with indoramin in hypertension

We have evaluated the effects of indoramin, an alpha-adrenoreceptor blocking drug, used as sole therapy in a group of 27 patients with essential hypertension. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured continuously over prolonged ambulatory periods using an established invasive technique before and after six weeks of therapy. The protocol was randomised, double-blind, and with double-dummy placebo control. A standardised programme of physiological stress testing was also performed during each study. Placebo produced no appreciable change in the levels or patterns of blood pressure over 24-h periods, but indoramin produced a significant reduction, which was particularly marked during the night. Physiological testing did not reveal any postural hypotension, and the response to dynamic and isometric exercise was modified in level but not in degree of change. There were many unwanted effects, which may limit the clinical value of this drug.