Prazosin first dose phenomenon during combined treatment with a beta-adrenoceptor blocker in hypertensive patients

1 The antihypertensive effect of prazosin has been studied in three groups of hypertensive patients. 2 The drug caused a significant reduction of blood pressure both as monotherapy and combined with alprenolol. 3 The effect of prazosin on blood pressure was more marked at the first dose and especially in combination with alprenolol. 4 No pharmacokinetic interaction between prazosin and alprenolol was observed. 5 Prazosin exhibits an exaggerated first dose effect together with alprenolol. Smaller starting doses of prazosin in combination therapy with beta-adrenoceptor blockers are warranted.