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Papers And Originals

Hypotension Caused by L-Dopa

Br Med J 1970; 1 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.5694.474 (Published 21 February 1970) Cite this as: Br Med J 1970;1:474
  1. D. B. Calne,
  2. Jennifer Brennan,
  3. A. S. D. Spiers,
  4. G. M. Stern

    Abstract

    In 20 patients with idiopathic Parkinsonism maximum tolerated doses of L-dopa were found to induce a mean reduction in blood pressure (erect systolic) of 19·3 mm.Hg, without any significant change in pulse rate. This hypotension may be due to dopamine, acting on adrenergic nerve endings or on the central nervous system itself.