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Biomedical subjects

O Haring

Publications and source records attributed to O Haring.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

The effect of clonidine on the cessation of cigarette smoking.

The effect of clonidine on smoking cessation was studied by randomly assigning 186 smokers in a double-blind fashion to either placebo or clonidine. Abstinence from smoking was reported more frequently by subjects receiving clonidine, but the difference was statistically significant only at the end of the first week (34.4% vs 21.5%; p less than 0.05). Bothersome side effects were common and resulted in the early discontinuation of the study medication by 23 of the subjects taking clonidine and eight taking placebo (p less than 0.05). Although this study did not demonstrate a significant effect of clonidine on smoking cessation, a beneficial trend was detected and therefore further trials with transcutaneous delivery of this agent in combination with behavior modification techniques are warranted.

Adult↗

Comparison of guanfacine versus clonidine for efficacy, safety and occurrence of withdrawal syndrome in step-2 treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.

Guanfacine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, was compared with clonidine as step-2 therapy of mild to moderate essential hypertension in a 24-week, double-blind, randomized, parallel evaluation to determine efficacy, safety and occurrence of withdrawal syndrome. During a 5-week period, patients were weaned from current antihypertensives, if any, and stabilized on step-1 therapy with 25 mg of chlorthalidone once a day. Those with a diastolic blood pressure (BP) from 95 to 114 mm Hg while taking chlorthalidone were randomized to treatment. The 2 agents had equal efficacy; 149 of 270 patients treated with guanfacine (55%) and 164 of 276 treated with clonidine (59%) achieved goal diastolic BP of less than or equal to 90 mm Hg. Terminations because of adverse effects were relatively low. Dry mouth (30% of guanfacine and 37% of clonidine groups) and somnolence (21% of guanfacine and 35% of clonidine groups, p less than 0.05) were reported most frequently. Nonsyncopal dizziness was reported in 11% of guanfacine-treated and 8% of clonidine-treated patients. This difference was not statistically significant. To evaluate the occurrence of a withdrawal syndrome in 316 outpatients and 156 inpatients, vital signs were monitored at least twice a day for up to 7 days after the end of therapy. Segmented 24-hour urine studies were performed on inpatients. Abrupt withdrawal of clonidine produced a rapid increase in diastolic and, especially, systolic BP, whereas guanfacine withdrawal produced more gradual increases. The differences were significant over the first 3 withdrawal days. It is concluded that guanfacine is a safe, effective, second-generation alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

THe beta-Blocker Heart Attack Trial: studies of platelets and factor VIII.

Serial studies of platelets and factor VIII were performed in 16 patients enrolled in the Beta Blocker Heart Attack Trial. Eight patients received placebo, and eight were treated with propranolol, in doses ranging from 40 to 320 mg per day for periods of from 6 to 31 months. No differences in platelet-collagen affinity, factor VIII coagulant activity, factor VIII related antigen, or ristocetin cofactor activity were observed between treated and untreated patients. However, circulating platelet aggregates, which were initially increased in both groups, significantly declined in those receiving propranolol (p less than 0.05). This indicates that customarily used doses of propranolol affect platelet reactivity in vivo.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗