The Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, Pargyline Hydrochloride, and Reserpine: Their Evaluation as Antihypertensive Drugs

A new monoamine oxidase inhibitor, pargyline hydrochloride, given by mouth, produced a significant drop in the group averages of blood pressure of 29 hypertensive patients. The major effect was on the pressures of patients when standing, although there was also some decrease of diastolic pressure in supine patients. This drop in pressure was similar in character to that previously caused by guanethidine sulfate and probably approximated the BP response reported after use of methyldopa (Aldomet). In another group of 16 hypertensive persons, 0.5 mg of reserpine given daily by mouth resulted in only a slight decrease of the diastolic pressure on standing. The amount of methyl reserpate found in the urine of these patients indicated that some of the oral reserpine was probably inactivated in the intestine by hydrolysis.