Effect of guancydine on systemic and renal hemodynamics in arterial hypertension.

The effect of guancydine (1-cyano-3-tert-amylguanidine) on systemic and renal hemodynamics was studied in nine patients with arterial hypertension. Antihypertensive drugs were withheld for 15 days before beginning the investigation. Average sodium intake was 105 meq/24 hours in some patients and 25 meq/24 hours in others. Patients received placebo during a control period that averaged 14 days. Guancydine was given for 7 to 18 days at an average dose of 21 mg/kg of body weight. Although mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly in all patients, it reached normal levels in only two. There was no change in cardiac output. Glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow remained unchanged, whereas urinary sodium excretion diminished, suggesting an activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. A substantial gain in body weight was noted. Nausea, vomiting, constipation, somnolence, restlessness, mental confusion, asthenia, and urine retention were observed. The anti-angiotensin effect of guancydine that has been described in animals was not observed.