Tag: Resistant hypertension

While alpha-1 blockers effectively reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, the landmark ALLHAT trial showed a significantly higher incidence of heart failure in patients taking doxazosin compared to those on a diuretic. As a result, these drugs are no longer considered first-line therapy, prompting the important question: Are alpha-1 blockers used for hypertension in modern medicine?

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, both nifedipine and hydralazine are sometimes used in the management of hypertensive crises, often in a step-wise approach. However, when asking, “Can I take NIFEdipine and hydrALAZINE together?”, the answer requires careful medical consideration, as these potent vasodilators can have cumulative effects on blood pressure. The combination is not a first-line therapy but may be prescribed under strict medical supervision for specific clinical needs.