A double-blind study in hypertensive patients of an original new compound, indapamide

In a double-bind crossover study in 18 patients with essential hypertension, the hypotensive activity of 5 mg. indapamide daily was compared with 40 mg. frusemide daily over a period of 4 months after an initial 15 days on placebo. The overall clinical assessment showed satisfactory blood pressure control in 72% of patients receiving indapamide compared with 57% on frusemide. The weight of patients on active therapy dropped significantly with both products, but to a greater extent with indapamide. Indapamide was well-tolerated by all 18 patients; 3 patients on frusemide developed side-effects. The results of blood chemistry investigations are discussed. Variations in potassium levels during indapamide therapy were modest and did not warrant the use of potassium supplements.