Substance depression

Merely because a substance depresses blood pressure does not make it a true antihypertensive substance. The level of blood pressure is the resultant of several factors the viscosity of the blood, the cardiac output, the volume of circulating blood, and the state of the arterial and arteriolar bed, which determines the peripheral resistance to blood flow, other factors being equal. This discussion has indicated that peripheral resistance through arteriolar constriction may be affected by renal blood flow and the production of circulating pressor agents. Therefore, a definition of a true antihypertensive substance is necessary, in order that we be not misled by depressor substances which lower blood pressure at a detriment to the body s economy. 

SAFETY PROFILE Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Human systemic effects by ingestion pupillary dilation, ataxia, somnolence, coma, and blood pressure depression. An experimental teratogen. Other experimental reproductive effects. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx. Caution May be habit forming. This is a controlled substance (depressant) listed in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21 Part 1308.13 (1985). 

In general, substances depressant to our CNS tend to be structurally nonspecific, relatively inert organic compounds.4 Their CNS activity appears to depend primarily on physical properties that are not related in any obvious way to their chemical geometry. An examination of Table 12-4 makes this apparent. 

Caution May be habit forming. This is a controlled substance (depressant) listed in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21 part 1308.14 (1985). 

---