A comparison of debrisoquine and methyldopa in hypertension

Debrisoquine, an antihypertensive agent, was compared with methyldopa in a double-blind trial in the treatment of hypertension in 20 patients. The cross-over method was used to treat each patient with first one and then the other drug for two periods of six weeks each. Two placebo periods of two weeks each were also included, one before the trial, and the other between the two therapy periods. The maximum daily dose was 3 X 10 mg debrisoquine compared with 3 X 250 mg methyldopa. Hydrochlorothiazide, 50 mg daily, was added in all cases for the entire trial. Both preparations lowered blood pressure statistically significantly (p less than 0.005). Tablet for tablet, debrisoquine had a slightly more pronounced effect than methyldopa, but the difference was not statistically significant. Both drugs were well tolerated and in no case had treatment to be interrupted because of side effects. Debrisoquine produced less sedation and dizziness than methyldopa. The conclusion was that both drugs were equally effective in the doses studied and well tolerated and that debrisoquine is of value in the treatment of moderate hypertension.