HEXAMETHONIUM IN THE CHRONIC TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION—ITS EFFECT ON RENAL HEMODYNAMICS AND ON THE EXCRETION OF WATER AND ELECTROLYTES 1

Abstract

Thirteen hypertensive men were observed during and before oral treatment with hexamethonium in the recumbent as well as ambulatory state. In recumbency, blood pressure was reduced after hexamethonium without change in renal plasma flow, glo-merular filtration rate, and tubular excretory capacity. The depression of these functions during ambulation is augmented after hexamethonium accompanying the further drop in blood pressure. The depression of excretion of water and Na during ambulation is also seen after hexamethonium. However, there is apparent compensation of the depression of these 2 categories during recumbency since there was no clinical evidence of renal decompensation observed.