Alpha-adrenergic blocking drugs in clinical medicine.

The alpha-adrenergic blockers have played an important role in the treatment of vascular diseases. Nonselective alpha blockers have been used as treatments for patients with severe hypertension, including pheochromocytoma. Selective alpha 1 blockers have been used in the treatment of hypertension and prostatic obstruction, and these drugs have also been considered in the treatment of other vascular and nonvascular conditions. They have unique metabolic actions, specifically on plasma lipids and lipoproteins, which could be of clinical benefit.