Guanfacine and hypertension: effect on blood pressure, electrocardiographic changes, heart rate and some biochemical values

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on 18 dogs, using a new antihypertensive agent, Guanfacine. Experimental hypertension was performed by constriction of renal arterial blood supply and compression of the kidneys. Guanfacine was injected as acute intravenous single dose [0.02 mg/kg body weight] alone and combined with diuretic [furosemide] or B-blocker [pindolol]. No significant changes in serum electrolytes, glucose, FFA were reported with Guanfacine alone or combined with diuretic. While combination with [pindolol], resulted in significant decrease in arterial blood pressure with brady-cardia was observed after Guanfacine alone and not changed when combined with diuretic. Significant reduction in arterial blood pressure and heart rate was noted after combination with B-blocker