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Biomedical subjects

P M Gillam

Publications and source records attributed to P M Gillam.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1976

Discovery of the hypotensive effect of propranolol.

Following the observation that pronethalol lowered the blood pressure a similar effect was demonstrated with propranolol. Over a period of years propranolol was demonstrated to produce a fall in blood pressure comparable with other potent drugs with the advantage of good control of the supine blood pressure and with the absence of postural and exercise hypotension. These observations were slow to be accepted, as besides a novel mode of action, most attempts to repeat the work failed to pay enough attention to adequate dosage.

Animals↗
PubMed1969

Treatment of hypertension with propranolol.

When used in the treatment of hypertension propranolol is at least of similar potency to bethanidine, guanethidine, and methyldopa. Propranolol does not produce postural or exercise hypotension and it seems that it is often more acceptable to patients than conventional drugs. It usually produces the best control of the supine blood pressure.A series of 109 hypertensive patients was treated with propranolol; in nine the drug was withdrawn. In 92 of the patients a supine or standing blood pressure of 100 mm. Hg or less was achieved. Eighty of the patients had previously been treated with other potent drugs, and close comparisons and prolonged follow-up in 17 patients showed that diastolic pressures of 100 mm. Hg or less were achieved in more patients after propranolol than with guanethidine, bethanidine, or methyldopa.Sensitivity to propranolol varies widely, and dosage should be increased gradually. The hypotensive effect often takes six to eight weeks to reach its maximum. Propranolol reduces cardiac output but may also act by reducing the cardiac component of pressor stimuli; as a result the baroreceptors gradually regulate the blood pressure at a lower level. It is contraindicated in patients with obstructive airways disease or in uncompensated heart failure.

Blood Pressure↗