Efficacy and safety of rilmenidine, a selective imidazoline I1 receptor binding ligand, in mild-to-moderate Thai hypertensive patients.

Background: Rilmenidine is an antihypertensive agent that selectively binds to imidazoline I1 receptor located in the brainstem and kidney. It acts both centrally by reducing sympathetic overactivity and in the kidney by decreasing water and sodium overload. This dual action leads to the immediate and delayed control of blood pressure caused by this drug.