Update on rilmenidine: clinical benefits

Rilmenidine is an imidazoline derivative that appears to lower blood pressure (BP) by an interaction with imidazoline (I1) receptors in the brainstem (and kidneys). Rilmenidine is as effective in monotherapy as all other first-line classes of drugs, including diuretics, β-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium antagonists. It is well tolerated and can be taken in combination for greater efficacy. Sedation and dry mouth are not prominent side effects and withdrawal hypertension is not seen when treatment is stopped abruptly. Recently, in addition to a reduction in BP, this agent has been shown to improve glucose tolerance, lipid risk factors, and insulin sensitivity. These changes would be consistent with a reduction in long-term cardiovascular risk, as would recently described actions on the heart (reducing left ventricular hypertrophy) and the kidney (reducing microalbuminuria). Although no data are yet available from prospective long-term outcome studies, rilmenidine could represent an important new development in antihypertensive therapy and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.