The effect was similar to that obtained when thiazides are used as a single agent .
Thiazides when given as a second-line drug have a dose related effect to lower blood pressure that is similar to when they are added as a first-line drug .
This means that the BP lowering effect of thiazides is additive .
Loop diuretics appear to have a similar blood pressure lowering effect as thiazides at 1 times the recommended starting dose .
Because of the short duration of the trials and lack of reporting of adverse events , this review does not provide a good estimate of the incidence of adverse effects of diuretics given as a second-line drug
BACKGROUND Diuretics are widely prescribed for hypertension not only as a first-line drug but also as a second-line drug .
Therefore , it is essential to determine the effects of diuretics on blood pressure ( BP ) , heart rate and withdrawals due to adverse effects ( WDAEs ) when given as a second-line drug .
Clinical evaluation of labetalol alone and combined with chlorthalidone in essential hypertension: A double-blind multicentre controlled study
Summary In a multicentre , double-blind , crossover , placebo-controlled study , the antihypertensive effect of labetalol 100 mg and chlorthalidone 10 mg , given alone or in combination , has been assessed in 32 hypertensive patients . The combination had a greater effect in reducing blood pressure than did its separate components . This was particularly evident after exercise . Heart rate increased during chlorthalidone therapy , decreased during labetalol therapy , and a summation effect was observed during treatment with the combination . In most cases additivity was observed , as no interaction between the single components was observed , except for heart rate after exercise , and for diastolic blood pressure in the upright position . No interaction was observed either in the biochemical indices or in the clinical side-effects
The effect was similar to that obtained when thiazides are used as a single agent .
Thiazides when given as a second-line drug have a dose related effect to lower blood pressure that is similar to when they are added as a first-line drug .
This means that the BP lowering effect of thiazides is additive .
Loop diuretics appear to have a similar blood pressure lowering effect as thiazides at 1 times the recommended starting dose .
Because of the short duration of the trials and lack of reporting of adverse events , this review does not provide a good estimate of the incidence of adverse effects of diuretics given as a second-line drug
BACKGROUND Diuretics are widely prescribed for hypertension not only as a first-line drug but also as a second-line drug .
Therefore , it is essential to determine the effects of diuretics on blood pressure ( BP ) , heart rate and withdrawals due to adverse effects ( WDAEs ) when given as a second-line drug .