title: Incidence of adverse reactions in blood donors taking antihypertensive medications.
abstract: A study was performed to determine whether donors taking antihypertensive medications other than "beta blocking agents" have an increased incidence of vasovagal reactions to blood donation. A total of 546 reactions were observed in 16,424 blood donors over a period of 3 months. First-time donors had a significantly higher frequency of reactions than repeat donors. Eighty-five percent of all donors were experienced donors and 96 percent of those taking antihypertensive medication were experienced donors. The reaction rate in repeat donors was not significantly different for those taking antihypertensive medication as compared with those not taking medication. Over 97% of all reactions were mild. The deferral of donors taking antihypertensive medication is not indicated when blood pressure is normal, symptoms are absent, and diuretics or similar agents are the only drugs used.
mesh_terms: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001782:Blood Donors; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents